Director of Special Services

Job Title: Director of Special ServicesType of Position: CertifiedReports to: Superintendent of SchoolsFLSA Status: ExemptContract Length: 220 DaysApplications will be accepted until the position is filled.Purpose: To provide leadership and direction in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that ensure students with diverse needs receive high-quality, equitable educational opportunities aligned with the corporation's mission and vision.Responsibilities:Compliance & Legal OversightServe as the district's compliance officer for IDEA, Section 504, and ADA.Oversee due process, mediation, complaint resolution, and corrective action plans.Coordinate state and federal monitoring visits, audits, and compliance reporting.Strategic Planning & ImprovementLead continuous improvement initiatives for special services using data to monitor outcomes.Align special services with district strategic priorities, ESSA requirements, and improvement cycles.Forecast long-term programmatic needs (e.g., early childhood, transition services, mental health supports).Inclusion & AdvocacyEnsure equitable access to rigorous curriculum, extracurricular activities, and advanced coursework for students with disabilities.Promote inclusive practices such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), co-teaching, and MTSS frameworks.Advocate for students with exceptional needs at district, state, and community levels.Professional DevelopmentDesign and implement staff training in evidence-based practices for special education, EL, high-ability, and related services.Provide coaching and support for principals and general education teachers on inclusion, RTI, and behavior supports.Assess professional learning needs and implement best-practice initiatives.Family & Community EngagementDevelop systems that foster meaningful family engagement, especially for parents of students with disabilities.Facilitate advisory councils such as a Special Education Parent Advisory Committee.Collaborate with community partners, private schools, and state agencies to expand services.Technology & Innovation* Oversee the use of assistive technology, accessible instructional materials, and digital tools that support student learning.* Ensure compliance with digital accessibility standards and support innovative practices to enhance learning.Safety & Crisis Response* Provide oversight of behavioral crisis response, including seclusion and restraint procedures.* Coordinate training in CPI, trauma-informed care, and threat assessment.Program Development & EvaluationEstablish and supervise procedures for student evaluation, placement, and progress monitoring.Coordinate Child Find activities and ensure the continuum of services in the least restrictive environment.Monitor state, local, and alternate assessments of students with disabilities in collaboration with administrators.Serve as case conference chairperson when appropriate.Data & Reporting* Oversee maintenance of cumulative student records and required reporting.* Supervise preparation of enrollment data, child count, state/federal reports, tuition collection, and funding documentation.Personnel LeadershipAssist with recruitment, hiring, assignment, and retention of specialized staff.Support administrators in supervision of special education personnel.Evaluate identified staff at the direction of the superintendent and make recommendations on performance.Align staff deployment to meet program needs across the district.Budget & Resource ManagementPrepare budget recommendations and ensure expenditure controls for special services.Manage federal and state special education funds in compliance with regulations.Collaborate with principals, administrators, and the business office on resource allocation, purchased services, and interagency agreements.Develop and recommend federal budget plans to the superintendent.Interagency & Regional CollaborationSupport cooperative agreements, study councils, and shared services with other districts.Represent the district in regional/state meetings, monitoring processes, and due process proceedings.Serve as liaison between the district and cooperative entities regarding grants, compliance, and service delivery.Grants & Funding* Prepare entitlement and discretionary grant applications, reports, and other funding requests at the direction of the superintendent.Professional Growth* Maintain a program of personal professional development through conferences, meetings, and study of best practices.Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the superintendent.Qualifications:Indiana License as Director of Special Education.Broad knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.Skilled in program evaluation, instructional methodologies, and inclusive practices.Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.Experience with participatory leadership and group dynamics.At least 5 years in a Special Education leadership role preferred.The Director of Special Services oversees the following areas and personnel:Early Learning Programming & ChildcareHealth ServicesDiagnostician / Dyslexia Specialist / Blind-Low VisionDevelopmental PreschoolSpeech Language PathologistsStudent Success Advocate / DCS Liaison / McKinney Vento /Monitor Seclusion and Restraint / District CPI TrainerBehavior SupportMental Health TherapistsSchool PsychologistsDeaf and Hard of HearingOTs/PTsOther specialized staff at the direction of the SuperintendentPhysical Demands: Must be able to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, and use hands to handle objects. Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.Work Environment: The work environment is a standard classroom/office/etc setting with moderate noise levels.Terms Of Employment: Length of school year and salary determined by the Wawasee Community School Corporation School Board.Evaluation: Performance evaluation will be conducted according to the school district's policies and guidelines.Medical, Dental and Vision InsuranceLong Term DisabilityLife InsuranceINPRSSection 125 SupplementalVirtual Urgent CareEmployee Assistance ProgramAll Athletic PassFit Stop 24 Gym MembershipPaid Sick Days, Family Illness Days and Personal Days