Director of Special Education

Mission Statement Through the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY. Five Keys Overview Five Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone. Our Core Competencies A well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence. What its really like to join our agency At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. Weve made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us. BENEFITS We offer very low monthly costs for medical insurance! Dental, vision and life insurance premiums paid by Five Keys and various pre-tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account 403b. Generous time off. Annual reimbursement up to $100 towards gym membership, smoking cessation and weight loss programs. Annual reimbursement up to $50 towards annual athletic event participation and annual massage after 6 months of employment. FREE access to wellness-related apps, Employee Assistance Program and a comprehensive mental health care platform for you and your dependents. JOB SUMMARY The Director of Special Education (SPED) position reports to the Chief Education Officer and is accountable for providing coordination, leadership, direction, and administrative oversight for special education and related services, including monitoring certificated and classified special education staff. This position is responsible for overseeing professional development and programmatic offerings to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its amendments, applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and Educational Codes. We are looking for someone who insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people. If this job is for you, you are eager to share your expertise in creatively meeting the needs of special education students and coaching special education and general certified and classified staff. You have excellent leadership, organizational, and relationship building skills. You are a highly proficient collaborator who has the ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including families, educators, and community partners. Additionally, you have a strong commitment to promoting equity, inclusion, and access for all students. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership and Management Provide visionary leadership to the SPED department, ensuring that all programs meet the diverse needs of students Provide leadership and expertise in the assessment, formulation, and implementation of Five Keys Charters special education department strategy Supervise and evaluate SPED staff, including certificated and classified teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the SPED team Provide compliance oversight of meetings, postsecondary outcomes, and service delivery Provide coaching and professional development opportunities for general and special education staff Assist in the development, administration, and presentation of staff training programs relative to special education Provide or coordinate ongoing professional development for staff on best practices in special education, legal updates, and inclusive instructional strategies. Ensure staff is informed about current trends, research, and legislative developments in the field of special education Recruit, interview, and make hiring decisions for SPED vacancies Program Development and Implementation Develop, implement, and evaluate special education programs and services that cater to the unique needs of both minor and adult students Coordinate with the Chief Education Officer, Superintendents and principals to promote the implementation of Special Education efforts, protocols and programs Ensure individualized education programs (IEPs) and Individualized Transition Plans (ITPs) are developed, implemented, and regularly reviewed for compliance and effectiveness Collaborate with general education staff to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum and appropriate accommodations Ensure that all special education assessments are completed in accordance with mandated timelines Implement programs and projects that meet district and state objectives Take initiative in troubleshooting and/or developing protocols for challenging sub regions Provide strategic program development and guidance for all aspects of Five Keys Charters Special Education Ensure the team is providing one on one, push in and e-learning service models of special education service delivery Compliance and Accountability Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding special education, including IDEA, ADA, and Section 504 Ensure staff understands all Special Education laws, especially transition services regulations and research trends related to special education Oversee the management of SPED documentation, including IEPs, progress reports, and other required records Prepare and manage the SPED budget, grants, proposals, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources to support students' needs Observe and evaluate the special education program and delivery of service through regular visits to school sites Ensure that accurate records of students progress and work in accordance to SELPA, state and federal law Stay informed about current trends, research, and legislative developments in the field of special education Collaborate and communicate with El Dorado County SELPA Represent Five Keys as SELPA trainings, legal updates and important events While not desirable, the Director may need to hold / serve students directly should an ed. specialist not be available. Collaboration and Communication Collaborate with community agencies and organizations to provide additional services and support to students and their families Lead IEP meetings and help collaborate with the IEP team on a students goals and objectives in accordance to the students strengths and needs Coordinate with IEP team members in information gathering including diagnostic tests Participate and contribute to weekly SPED Leadership Huddle Act as a liaison between the school, families, and external stakeholders regarding SPED services and policies, maintaining a safe environment for all Other duties as assigned KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Strong understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices Advanced knowledge of adult learning theory with an emphasis of special education service delivery Advanced knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy Advanced Instructional and programmatic vision, leadership skills, and knowledge regulations as well as District Special Education/SELPA policies and procedures including but not limited to: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its amendments, California special education regulations, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Expert knowledge of the IEP process Experience supervising staff covered under a collective bargaining agreement Advanced proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and databases Able to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive information Ability to effectively and efficiently work from home and independently, with high levels of self-accountability EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE Must have a valid Special Education Credential Masters degree in Special Education (preferred), Educational Leadership, or a related field Possess a valid California Administrative Services Credential required Minimum 5 years experience with secondary special education youth and/or young adults required Bilingual Spanish preferred Valid California Drivers License PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS To promote the health and safety of its employees, those we serve and our local communities, Five Keys requires that all employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or adhere to all weekly testing and safety measures. Employees may also request and receive approval for an exemption from this policy. Exemptions are granted to accommodate a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Must wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when needed Frequent talking and hearing conversations Long periods of walking, sitting at a desk and/or computer station Lifting items that weigh up to 25 lbs.; reaching, bending, carrying and stooping within the daily routine of tasks and activities ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS This position is contingent upon: Satisfactory results of a Live Scan (criminal background investigation) Successfully obtaining jail clearance for positions working in county jails or probation locations Submitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptable WORK ENVIRONMENT Moderate to high noise level Work environment varies from site to site Some personal safety risk working in underserved communities Must live in Northern or Southern California where Five Keys operates Must be willing and able to work in a correctional facility, travel throughout the area to community sites, and travel state-wide to various locations or meetings as needed Up to 40% travel to Five Keys locations throughout California as needed GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES At Five Keys, we understand that when our employees grow, the agency has a greater capacity to thrive and accomplish its mission. It is for this reason that we remain committed to providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all of our employees. These include but are not limited to: conferences, staff development training, and coaching plans that allow incumbents to grow into new positions within and across programs within the agency (i.e., programs, schools, housing).