The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Special Programs and Services Director provides leadership to school districts, staff, students, and families toward the improvement of student outcomes with a primary focus upon students with disabilities. This is accomplished through direct support, leadership, and technical assistance to schools and families, staff development programs, representation for NWESD districts/families on regional/state committees and supervision and development of NWESD special services cooperative programs.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbant(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Directly supervises staff including scheduling, planning, and initiating strategies for performance, assigning and directing work, training, administering disciplinary measures, formally reviewing performance, recommending salary adjustments, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff.
• Attends, assists with the coordination, and provides input at directors team, curriculum, and other department meetings. Performs fiscal management tasks including significant detailed budget preparation and management, authorizing purchase orders and contracts, time and effort reporting, and grant administration. In the absence of program managers, provides individual departmental oversight in fiscal, personnel, and general representation. Provides leadership and in-house coordination for Coordinated Services Agreement (CSA) activities and programs to ensure that the goals of the CSA are fulfilled.
• Using Business Framework Strategies to research and anticipate needed services for districts and able to create and capture value with implementation of new or expanded programs.
• Pursues ongoing professional development by attending conferences, reading, and performing extensive research.
• Provides leadership and technical assistance to LEA’s, other agencies, and the community by responding to administrative, fiscal, and procedural questions regarding the provision of special education services, disseminates relevant documents and resources to constituents, and serves as a primary resource for information regarding federal and state laws around disability issues.
• Performs program review and other qualitative reviews for LEA’s.
• Develops and/or conducts staff development training for LEA’s, other related agencies and families. Develops and conducts college credit courses year-round for continuing education needs. Arranges for the provision of a staff development program consisting of workshops, courses and conferences to meet the staff development needs of LEA’s and the community.
• Serves and coordinates with other agencies on issues related to special education as a representative for Northwest ESD 189 and LEA’s. Meets and serves on committees to further the services of students with disabilities, represents special education and ESD 189 with professional groups. Serves with job-alike colleagues on committees/task forces to implement the Coordinated Service Agreement with OSPI.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of special education laws, including state and federal statutes and regulations at an expert level. An ability to interpret, implement, and communicate such.
• Knowledge of Special Education/Special Programs Administration and the application of such in school administrative practices and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of agency, state, and federal requirements and timelines.
• Knowledge of Educational Service District goals and objectives and a general understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• Knowledge of special education history, movements, research, systems, issues, and trends.
• Knowledge of various leadership models. Skill in effective leadership and supervisory techniques.
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications specific to the educational environment.
• Knowledge of organizational development, task management, planning and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work with groups, identify meaningful outcomes, and pursue them to completion.
• Ability to secure funding for innovative programs at an expert level.
• Ability to perform skilled technical writing with effective outcomes.
• Ability to delegate and monitor operations of many remote sites.
• Ability to anticipate program needs and services desired by LEA’s. Ability to develop cooperative programs and services based upon the needs of students and districts.
• Ability to motivate, direct, mentor, and lead department staff members.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan to meet future needs and goals.
• Ability to oversee the program budgets and operations in an effective manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other NWESD 189 departments, school district staff and administrators, OSPI/ESD staff, professional organization members, governmental and other community service entities, and the public.

Qualifications:

Masters Degree in Special Education or related field. A minimum of five years documented successful employment in a public school special education setting required, or ESA employment. A minimum of three years experience in educational administration required. Administrative or Principal credential preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State drivers license required.

Employment Conditions and Benefits:

This position is 260 days per year, 8 hours per day.

Work is performed approximately 75% in an office environment and 25% traveling to districts and affiliate agencies, as well as for workshops, committee representation, and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 50 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Potential hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

Benefits: Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision insurance with 100% paid premiums for employee and eligible dependents, Annual Paid Leave - (20-25) Vacation days, (12) Sick days, (1) Floating Holiday, (13) observed Holidays, Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty Leave, Tuition Reimbursement, Long Term Disability, Basic Life Insurance $35k (w/voluntary additional coverage), WA State Dept. of Retirement Systems Membership -Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) or Schools Employees' Retirement System (SERS), Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) offering 457 deferred savings plan, Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care, Voluntary Employees' Benefits Association (VEBA) participation, Employee Assistance Program, Professional Development opportunities.