Director 1 SPED SOAR Program

Houston Independent School District•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides broad oversight and day-to-day management of the execution and monitoring of special education plans and processes of the SOAR program. Works closely with SOAR Coordinator 2, SOAR Teachers and SOAR Counselor, to develop systems, monitor monthly ARD compliance reports, professional development plans, federal and state compliance indicators, student staffing ratio recommendations, develop long-range compliance plans, and prepare reports as needed by Senior Leadership. Ensures that special education personnel, resources, high leverage practices, professional development are available in the short and long term to meet the compliance, behavioral and instructional needs of students with disabilities within the SOAR program.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred
ARD facilitation experience required.
3-5 Years of experience teaching in the area of special education/behavioral intervention
Campus/district leadership experience
Valid Texas Special Education certification
Communication Skills: Employees must have the ability to manage meeting facilitation and communicate with colleagues, students and parents regarding IEP services and support.
Technology: Employee must utilize electronic system for creating IEPs.
Knowledge of federal, state, local laws and regulations
Knowledge of assessment and programming of students with disabilities.
Knowledgeable of learning differences, interventions, and behavior requirements of students with disabilities.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Maintain emotional control under stress.

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Principal Certification
Bilingual Skills: Preferred - Spanish

Responsibilities

Monitor the Special Education SOAR program to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines
Maintain current knowledge of state and federal law and best practices for support programs.
Support long and short-range plans in relation to assigned responsibilities
Facilitate meetings that may frequently involve a range of issues for the purpose of evaluating situations, identifying appropriate actions, developing recommendations, and/or implementing desired program changes.
Manage program services for the purpose of achieving outcomes in relation to program objectives and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance for assigned staff members.
Supervise appropriate delivery of both special education instruction and related services as stipulated in IEP’s.
Ensure services provided by contractual personnel are of high quality.
Provide professional development and technical assistance to case managers, teachers, related service providers and support service professionals on all aspects of case management including use of computer systems for the special education process, goal writing, progress reports, annual reviews, and communication with parents, partner facilities, and HISD zoned campuses.
Monitor timelines and due dates for IEP’s, evaluations, and services for students within the SOAR program
Support in the coordination of evaluation team members and service providers efforts with other Special Education and District departments and programs
Support in the coordination of contracted evaluations with private providers, as appropriate
Ensure evaluations and ARD Committee meetings adhere to state and federal timelines
Participate in review of program personnel, as appropriate
Complete and monitor data reports to provide accurate information regarding all students enrolled within the SOAR program.
Audit program compliance by compiling, maintaining, and filing all required physical and digital reports, records, and other documents.
Monitor accuracy of PEIMS data for the SOAR program.
Comply with all district routines and regulations
Work cooperatively with HISD Campus Administrators to implement and refine qualification/placement processes that promote for students in the Least Restrictive Environment, in alignment with the district’s procedural guidance process for the SOAR program.
Enhance job skills by participating in ongoing professional development as assigned
Collaborate with campus and district administrators for the purpose of implementing and maintaining services in accordance with programmatic and regulatory requirements.
Provide exemplary customer service/support for families and campus-based staff, upon the qualification/placement process for students transitioning between zoned campus and SOAR program facilities.
Exhibit professional composure toward the student’s best interest, during interactions with family and community-based partners
Oversee IEP implementation and provide support to assigned staff as needed.
Complete appraisal of staff members, as assigned.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.