Assistant Director of Special Education

Tri County Special Education•Bloomington, IL

About The Position

The Assistant Director assists the Executive Director with administering, supervising, and directing the Tri-County Special Education Association (TCSEA) in accordance with applicable law and the policies, procedures, and directives of the Executive Committee and Association Council. The position provides leadership aligned with TCSEA’s vision and goals. Preference is given to an administrator with a Speech and Language background, but this is not required. The Assistant Director supports special education services and programming across member districts; advises educators, families, and community members; oversees data, systems, program development, and professional development; and assists with personnel, financial, grant, and policy matters at the Executive Director’s discretion. The role also represents TCSEA or local districts when requested and performs other duties as directed by the Executive Director.

Requirements

Minimum of an M.S. in school administration.
Valid Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Administrative Endorsement and a Director of Special Education Endorsement.
At least two years of experience as an administrator or supervisor in public schools, the State Board of Education, education service regions, or certain approved non-public schools.
At least four years of previous experience in an educational setting; teaching or special education experience is preferred.
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle for travel between service locations in member districts.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite tools, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with students, parents, staff, and others contacted through the work.
Ability to understand and follow basic oral and written instructions.
Ability to communicate with students, parents, and staff in an acceptable and courteous manner.
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and push or pull up to 15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

An administrator with a Speech and Language background is preferred, but it is not required.
Teaching or special education experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond to requests for information about special education services, TCSEA, and programming for students with disabilities.
Assist educators, family members, and community members in understanding special education services and advise them about community services as appropriate.
Keep personnel advised of current methods, issues, and legal requirements.
Engage in child-specific problem solving or consultation as appropriate.
Identify, recommend, and implement strategies for effective collaborative problem solving within Tri-County schools.
Attend IEP meetings as needed to share technical information or provide leadership to resolve or minimize controversies.
Locate needed resources, materials, personnel, services, or programs.
Oversee data collection for required reporting and reimbursement claims.
Write grant proposals as requested by the Executive Director and assist with or draft proposals consistent with organizational goals or district needs.
Coordinate technology requests and equipment.
Advise and assist districts seeking specialized State Board approvals, temporary approvals, deviations, and variance requests.
Supervise, evaluate, and report on programs granted a deviation or variance.
Periodically assess programmatic needs and recommend program development or redesign; communicate needs to administrators and teachers.
Coordinate and lead efforts to improve instruction for students with disabilities in Tri-County schools.
Maintain familiarity with programs used by Tri-County schools to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education and facilitate student placement when necessary.
Ensure TCSEA forms and procedures are legally correct, clear, appropriate, understood, and consistently used across member districts.
Oversee IDEA funds set aside for professional development.
Conduct an annual assessment of special education in-service needs among educators and parents, and report results to local district coordinators and in the professional development plan.
Coordinate professional development funds derived from Tri-County district assessments.
Evaluate and report on the quality and, when possible, educational impact of professional development activities.
Collaborate with others to provide in-service opportunities or coordinate conferences as appropriate.
Design and provide staff development activities for TCSEA personnel.
Lead committees studying issues affecting TCSEA services and prepare reports or summaries for the Executive Director and others.
Assist with designing, communicating, and implementing activities that support Tri-County’s annual goals; communicate TCSEA priorities, procedures, and initiatives.
Assist with personnel matters, including hiring, evaluation, and supervision, at the Executive Director’s discretion.
Assist with financial or grant-writing matters at the Executive Director’s discretion.
Draft proposals for policies, procedures, forms, or other efforts supporting the cooperative’s goals.
Represent local districts at administrative hearings or meetings when requested, and represent TCSEA at community meetings when requested.
Communicate programmatic ideas, legal issues, and professional development opportunities to TCSEA and member-district personnel.
Manage and maintain the EmbraceIEP system; oversee the TCSEA website and BambooHR system.
Evaluate or assist in evaluating whether special projects accomplish organizational goals or meet identified needs.
Complete performance evaluations of Special Education administrators, Psychologists, Social Workers, or others assigned by the Executive Director.
Actively support Special Education administrators in successfully implementing services and organize regular meetings for collegial support and collaborative problem solving.
Review and follow TCSEA Policies and Procedures.
Report suspected fraud or concerns about grossly inappropriate behavior to the Executive Director.
Perform other duties as directed by the Executive Director.