Supervisor of Special Education

Description Come work for the Bucks IU! A great opportunity to be part of a collaborative work environment with excellent employee benefit plan options, PSERS pension plan and a flexible, school calendar work schedule. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Summary: Directs, coordinates, and evaluates activities of teachers and other staff providing instructional programming, diagnostic and evaluation services, or other special education related services for students in secondary programs. Essential Functions:Collaborates with School District leadership, Intermediate Unit leaders and staff in the research and development of appropriate service delivery models and options for students with varied disabilities.Reviews referral information and collaborates with Intermediate Unit and District administrators, staff, nurses, parents and other concerned parties to formulate recommendations for student placement and provision of services.Oversees the instructional program and staff activities providing technical assistance in areas such as assessment, curriculum development, use of materials and equipment and management of student behavior.Works collaboratively with district staff and parents to resolve issues regarding programming, services and student needs.Monitors student performance and progress through on-site supervision, review of appropriate documentation and participation in the development of Individual Education Plans and re-evaluation processes.Assesses staff training needs and designs, plans and conducts on-going development in coordination with the Office of Professional Development.Assess on-going staffing requirements. Recruits and interviews applicants, recommends hiring and evaluates staff performance.Holds monthly leadership meetings with staff directing a team that coordinates direct services.Provides input to the development of program budgets; approves all requests for materials, supplies and services and monitors expenditures to assure viability of programming.Maintains fiscal responsibility for tracking and billing for program services. Competencies: • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. • Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. • Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things. • Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. • Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. • Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals. • Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Contributes to profits and revenue; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources. • Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promotes a harassment-free environment. • Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. Supervisory Responsibility: Responsibilities include the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these programs and staff. Provides leadership for employees within the Special Education Division. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of program. Directly supervises 20-60 professional and paraprofessional employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 260-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Hours are dependent on the needs of the districts. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Qualifications Education and Experience: • Master's degree required. • Four (4) to ten (10) years related experience and/or training. • Preference will be given to additional certification in Speech/Language, School Psychology and/or Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially among colleagues, staff, member districts, agencies, and the general public • Expertise in planning, supervising, monitoring, and evaluating the work performance of staff • Knowledge of education budgeting and budget management processes • Implementing and planning instructional programming and curriculum; creating and managing effective service delivery models • Knowledge of school policies and procedures related to special education and the administration of school district programs • Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, due process, and requirements relating to special education • Knowledge of teaching principles, best practices, trends, and approaches in education • Experience with curriculum, staff development, budgeting, and contracts • Strong organizational, time management and computer skills • Specialized knowledge of students with significant educational needs • Knowledge and experience with varied systems involving medical diagnosis, appropriate interventions, remediation programs, community resources, transition services, mental health issues, and medically fragile students • Ability to travel to many schools district sites over many square miles Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required. EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.