Director of Specialized Services

YouthBuild Philly • Philadelphia, PA

6d

About The Position

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is a tuition-free public charter high school serving young people aged 17–20 who have been pushed out of traditional schools. Its one-year alternative program supports students in earning high school diplomas and vocational certifications and pursuing postsecondary education, vocational training, or employment.

The Director of Specialized Services leads the Specialized Services Department and establishes its shared vision, strategic priorities, and consistent special education compliance practices across the school’s RISE and FLEX programs. Reporting to the Principal/Head of School, the Director oversees special education services, staff, and contracted providers, directly supervises the FLEX Manager of Special Education, and coordinates staff assignments across academic classrooms, workforce development settings, and resource rooms.

The Director supports instructional quality through coaching, feedback, professional development, and collaboration with school leaders and instructors. The role ensures timely implementation of IEPs, evaluations and reevaluations, related services, assistive technology, individualized programming, family engagement, and progress monitoring, including for students receiving instruction off-site. The Director serves as the LEA Representative at IEP and manifestation determination meetings, monitors documentation and timelines, partners with the Director of Culture on disciplinary safeguards, and acts as the school’s liaison to the Bureau of Special Education. The position also plans and manages intersession programming and performs other duties assigned by the Head of School/Principal.

Requirements

• Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Special Education K–12 (required).
• Demonstrated expertise in special education compliance, including IEP development and implementation, evaluations and reevaluations, mandated timelines, procedural safeguards, and discipline protections.
• Ability to lead special education services across multiple programs, supervise staff and contracted providers, and coordinate related services to meet individualized student needs.
• Strong knowledge of specially designed instruction, inclusive practices, assistive technology, and transition planning for graduation, postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.
• Ability to partner with students, families, school leaders, and external agencies to resolve concerns, remove barriers, and ensure equitable access to services.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to the school’s values of Respect, Excellence, and Perseverance; an equity-focused belief that all students can achieve; and passion for community service and civic engagement.
• Willingness to mentor students and support them during and after their time at YouthBuild.
• Collaborative approach and dedication to personal and professional development.

Nice To Haves

• Ten years of school-based experience as a special education educator, with at least five years as a school leader (highly preferred).
• Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education Certificate (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Specialized Services Department and implement a shared vision, strategic priorities, and consistent special education compliance practices across the RISE and FLEX programs.
• Oversee special education services, compliance, and contracted providers across both programs; directly supervise the FLEX Manager of Special Education.
• Coordinate and schedule special education staff across academic classrooms, vocational settings, and supplemental resource rooms.
• Coach and provide feedback to special education teachers and offer professional development to strengthen instructional practices and keep staff informed of industry changes.
• Promote collaboration and continuous improvement within the special education department.
• Partner with the Directors of Academics and Workforce to develop academic teachers and workforce instructors in instructional strategies for students receiving special education services.
• Lead special education matters with the school’s Finance, Operations, and Compliance support teams, including timesheets and incentives.
• Serve as the special education team contact for staff call-outs and time-off approvals; review biweekly timesheets submitted by special education teachers and the Behavior Specialist.
• Manage related services and extraordinary student situations, including coordinating special education services for students receiving instruction off-site.
• Supervise special education teachers’ IDEA compliance work, including document review, assistive technology needs, individualized programming, family engagement, and progress monitoring.
• Serve as the LEA Representative (Chair) at IEP and manifestation determination meetings.
• Prepare permissions to evaluate or reevaluate, obtain signatures, and initiate evaluations and reevaluations within required timelines.
• Coordinate testing with contracted school psychologists for evaluation and reevaluation reports and required related-service assessments.
• Monitor special education document processing for compliance with mandated timelines.
• Coordinate with the Director of Culture to ensure discipline procedures and safeguards for students receiving special education services are followed.
• Serve as the school’s liaison to the Bureau of Special Education Advisor and partner with the Chief of Staff and Strategy to prepare for cyclical monitoring.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage intersession programming, including implementation, resource allocation, and alignment with student graduation goals.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Head of School/Principal.

Benefits

• Generous time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) savings plan with an employer match.
• Employer-paid parental leave, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Strong community support and involvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed