Assistant Director Special Education

Tacoma Public Schools•Central Administration Building (CAB) 601 S 8th St., WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Tacoma Public Schools is seeking an Assistant Director of Special Education to administer Special Education/Student Services programs and services for assigned schools. This role provides technical assistance to principals, teachers, support staff, parents, and the community in assigned special programs and coordinates assigned Special Education/Student Services programs District-wide. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with IEPs, student evaluations, and relevant federal, state, and District laws, regulations, and policies. The Assistant Director will also develop and evaluate programs, maintain professional relationships with community agencies, and supervise assigned staff.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Special Education or a closely related field from an accredited college or university with formal training or experience in education administration.
Three years of increasingly responsible experience working with students with disabilities.
Any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.
Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.
Current Washington State Administrator, Principal is preferred, and the ESA Certificate and/or Teacher certificates required.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Valid Washington State driver’s license.
Thorough knowledge of Special Education/Student Services, programs, and trends.
Knowledge of child development and disabilities.
Knowledge of leadership principles.
Knowledge of current rules, regulations, and legal mandates in Special Education.
Knowledge of effective supervisory principles and practices.
Knowledge of fiscal management practices and procedures.
Skill in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.
Skill in decision-making and problem solving.
Ability to supervise the work of assigned staff.
Ability to develop and monitor budgets.
Ability to effectively resolve conflicts.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain good follow-through procedures.
Ability to coordinate activities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, socio-economic setting.
Ability to participate as a member of a team.

Nice To Haves

Current Washington State Administrator, Principal is preferred, and the ESA Certificate and/or Teacher certificates required.

Responsibilities

Administers Special Education programs for assigned schools, facilitating communication between District administration and school staff, interpreting and implementing District policy, and participating in budget development.
Supervises assigned staff, including making hiring recommendations, evaluating, disciplining, approving leaves and overtime, and assigning and reviewing work.
Monitors the work of Special Education/Student Services staff, provides technical assistance, and contributes to the evaluation of certificated staff.
Oversees compliance of IEPs and student evaluations for assigned buildings/schools and coordinates with building administrators regarding appropriate student placement.
Stays informed about current laws, policies, and practices regarding the education of students with disabilities, provides technical assistance and training, interprets policies, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and District regulations.
Conducts and/or participates in Special Education/Student Services, staffing, and IEP Team meetings as the District representative, and other meetings regarding programs for students with disabilities.
Maintains professional relationships with community agencies and organizations concerned about children with disabilities and their families.
Develops new programs and modifies existing programs based on student needs and current research, and evaluates program effectiveness.
Designs, implements, and continuously improves projects and programs for specialized needs.
Maintains and updates knowledge and skills through professional development activities.
Manages special projects and performs related duties as assigned.
Maintains regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.