Director of Education - Abilities First Education Programs in Orange and Dutchess County

Abilities First•Wappingers Falls, NY

1d•$125,000 - $133,000

About The Position

For over 60 years, Abilities First has been a trusted provider of education, vocation, residential and support programs in Hudson Valley serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Committed to inclusion, Abilities First seeks to break down the barriers between people with and without disabilities, envisioning a world where all people are recognized and valued for their Abilities First. Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds, and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender, and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Abilities First is seeking a Director of Educational Services to oversee the provision of all education and clinical services to students in Preschool and School Age programs. The position provides leadership, administration, and supervision to all building administration, teachers, clinicians, direct support, and clerical staff. The Director is responsible for daily oversight of operations, service quality, fiscal accountability, relations with school districts and families, regulatory compliance and risk mitigation. Schedule : Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 52 weeks/yr with ability to travel to locations between Orange and Dutchess County. Salary Range : $125,000.00 - $133,000.00

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Education and New York State Certification as School District Leader (SDL)
Five (5) years’ experience as a School Building Leader (SBL) or School District Leader (SDL), including experience providing leadership in special education programs
Demonstrated knowledge of NYS Education Department rules and regulations, including Special Education Part 200 regulations and Special Education Law
Demonstrated knowledge of the IEP creation and implementation process
Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship development skills
Must have a current NYS driver’s license, free of moving violations; deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.

Responsibilities

Provides direct supervision to building administrators and director
Provides leadership to all preschool and school program staff
Develops and maintains policies and procedures for preschool and school programs
Oversees the creation and delivery of high-quality educational and clinical services across all programs that align with state and federal standards
Develops long-term and short-term goals for improvement or enhancement of program quality
Oversees the provision of staff training and development
Seeks out and incorporates best practice, cutting edge research, technologies and accepted clinical models into everyday instructional and therapeutic activities
Through leadership, staff development and supervision, facilitates the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that support student needs and promote maximum educational and developmental progress
Assess and monitor staffing needs across programs and ensure compliance with classroom ratios and compliance with mandated services
Coordinates the supervision of education programs by properly credentialed building administrators, and temporarily performs the function of building administrator as needed
Oversee the recruitment, hiring and training of staff across Preschool and School programs
Ensures proper credentials of professional staff
Represents Abilities First as needed in public meetings, events, community forums, etc.
Participates in the creation of new educational services or expansion of current services as needed
Ensures compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and requirements under NYS Department of Health, NYS Office of Child and Family Services and NYS Education Department
Ensures compliance with all tuition and billing requirements
Oversees implementation of internal program audit systems
Facilitates cooperation and collaboration between and among childhood and education programs with other Abilities First programs and departments
Ensures that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance, HIPAA and FERPA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations.
Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
Performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by the Chief Program Officer or Chief Executive Officer as circumstances warrant.
Will incorporate concepts of person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.