Special Investigations Unit Director jobs in Montana

FTE 1.0

Salary: $114,213 to $124,844 DOE, 260 days, 9 holidays, 5 personal days. Salary based on 23-24 salary schedule; increase for 24-25 to be determined.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Optional Retirement, State Retirement (TRS), Vacation and Sick leave per MCA, Group Life, LTD. Plus, insured employees and their covered dependents are also eligible for free health care services at our Premise clinic.

Closes May 13, 2024

Interviews to be held May 22, 2024

Job Responsibilities:

• Guide the development and implementation of long-range and short-range plans for achieving special education goals and objectives in alignment with the school district's strategic plan.
• Develop and administer quality program/curriculum developmental educational programs within the guidelines and standards developed by the Board of Trustees and the Office of Public Instruction.
• Supervise special education programs across 10 school sites to ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• Manage and oversee special program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, while maintaining exceptional services and supports for staff and students.
• Analyze program effectiveness, utilizing student achievement data, to support staff in providing targeted instructional practices.
• Provide ongoing professional learning in the areas of special education compliance, balanced assessment and research-based instruction/interventions in both the academic and social/emotional domains.
• Direct special education services for all students with disabilities and ensure that students have access to the school district's core curriculum.
• Oversee and direct the allocation of special education staff to schools in accordance with state and local standards and student needs.
• Monitor the development and implementation of all aspects of the special education program process.
• Provide leadership in the areas of observing, describing, and referring students suspected of learning and/or social behavioral disabilities.
• Provide guidance in proper referral of individuals identified to other agencies which may help meet a student’s needs.
• Provide leadership and guidance to administrators and special education staff in the development of Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students.
• Conduct ongoing needs assessments, collect and analyze data, use pertinent data to refine and improve functions and services; evaluate special education program initiatives.
• Review federal and state legislation/regulations related to special education; identify and share the impact of changes as it relates to the programs.
• Maintain open lines of communication regarding special education with all interested parties; respond to concerns of parents, teachers, building and central office administrators, and community members.
• Support principals in the supervision and evaluations of both certified and classified staff members in accordance with the supervision model of the school district and in accordance with the negotiated agreements.
• Collaborate with school-based administrators and central office administrators regarding the discipline of students with disabilities.
• Serve as the District 504 Compliance Officer, ensuring school teams have the necessary tools/supports in place to meet students’ individual needs.
• Oversee School Health Services and partner with community health organizations to provide integrated support, while removing barriers for students and families.
• Oversee Title III Services and supports, including the English Language Learner (ELL) District Committee, with a focus on cultivating cultural awareness, inclusive practices, and coordinating resources and support for students.
• Supervise the District Homeless Education Liaison, ensuring appropriate identification and support services are made available to students and families in transition.
• Research and remain current with all special education/Section 504, McKinney-Vento, ELL laws as well as innovative evidence-based practices.
• Reports to Superintendent and/or designated assistant superintendent.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work in a supportive, collaborative role with administrators and staff in all departments and offices.
• Ability to interface with other departments to coordinate reciprocal services for achieving special education goals.
• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative and responsible leadership involving others in problem solving and seeking solutions.
• Ability to interpret and remain current on all federal, state, and local mandates for special education and Section 504 services and to ensure that the school district is in compliance.
• Ability to handle confidential information discretely and professionally.
• Ability to use discretion and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to effectively use technology, software, employee information systems, and programs.
• Ability to maintain effective professional relationships with district staff and the public.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff and the public.
• Ability to conduct meetings and make presentations.
• Ability to write reports, school correspondence, manuals or other relevant information.
• Ability to maintain regular and acceptable attendance levels.
• Ability to model and meet a high standard of policies and protocol.
• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to follow directions and multi-task.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Special Education Administration and/or related field, AND
• 5 years’ or more experience in teaching and/or administration of Special Education, OR
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand on feet for extended periods of time, stoop, bend, lift and carry items up to 40 pounds.