Job Title: Director of Special Education and Student Support Services (or Interim Director)
Anticipated Start Date: March 2025
Salary: Individual Contract-Commensurate with Experience
District Overview: The North Bellmore Union Free School District (NBUFSD) is a forward-thinking and student-centered educational organization dedicated to fostering academic excellence and ensuring the success of all students. We prioritize a comprehensive approach that blends high-quality education with strategic support services to create an inclusive and nurturing environment for diverse learners.
Job Summary: The North Bellmore UFSD is seeking a highly skilled, compassionate, and experienced Director of Special Education and Student Support Services to lead and oversee the district’s special education programs and student support services. The Director will provide leadership, vision, and guidance to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, support students with disabilities, and foster an inclusive learning environment. This individual will collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and community stakeholders to improve educational outcomes for all students, particularly those with special needs. The Director of Special Education and Student Support Services will lead and supervise the pupil personnel staff, nurses, and paraprofessionals, and will serve as a key advisor on special education matters to support the district’s educational goals. Responsibilities and duties may evolve based on district needs. The Director of Special Education and Student Support Services reports directly to the Superintendent, or their designee.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, direct, and manage the district’s special education programs and pupil personnel services, including the development and implementation of policies and procedures and practices
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of special education staff, including teachers, psychologists, social workers, school counselors, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physical therapists, CPSE chairs, behavior specialists, CSE Chairs, and other support personnel
- Supervise and manage the nursing staff, ensuring effective implementation of health plans, immunization mandates, illness tracking, and other related protocols
- Supervise and support paraprofessionals, overseeing their training in behavior intervention plans (BIPs), crisis intervention and restraint techniques, and data collection processes; ensure accurate record keeping and implementation of behavior management strategies to promote student success and safety
- Serve as the CSE Chairperson, CPSE and 504 Committee member, McKinney-Vento Liaison, Title IX Investigator, Dignity Act Coordinator, Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, District Safety Team member, SEPTA representative, Policy Board representative, and any other committees as directed by the Superintendent
- Organize and contract with vendors to provide special education services during the school day and outside the school day
- Provide strategic leadership in ensuring all special education programs and services comply with state and federal laws, including regulations under IDEA, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Develop, implement, and evaluate special education programs to ensure all students receive an appropriate, high-quality education in the least restrictive environment
- Oversee the referral process and the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure they align with district policies and regulations
- Monitor the effectiveness of student support services, including counseling, psychological services, and social work, and ensure they meet the needs of students
- Organize, plan, staff, and oversee the Extended School Year (ESY) program, which runs for six weeks during the summer
- Analyze and utilize data to assess program effectiveness, make informed decisions, adjust special education programs and services, and make recommendations for improvements and adjustments as necessary
- Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to local, state, and federal agencies, including progress reports, grant funding applications, and compliance documentation
- Develop, coordinate, or lead professional development opportunities for related staff
- Stay informed of the latest trends, research, and developments in special education and pupil personnel services, and apply this knowledge to improve district programs
- Identify, research, and apply for grants and other funding opportunities to support special education and PPS programs; manage and track the allocation of grant funds, ensuring the successful implementation of funded projects
- Create, manage and monitor special education budgets, resources, and staffing to ensure optimal use of district resources, with short- and long-term planning in mind while ensuring effective allocation of resources to meet district needs
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student and staffing information
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively
- Ability to work collaboratively with other administrators, staff, legal counsel, and the community
- Attend and/or present at Budget Meetings, BOE Meetings, and other meetings as determined by the Superintendent and/or the Board of Education
- Other duties/responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent or the Board of Education
Qualifications:
- Valid NYS SDL certification
- Valid NYS certification in School Psychology and/or Special Education, preferred
- Building or Central Office administrative experience, preferred
- Experience in developing and managing special education programs and services for students with a wide range of disabilities
- Strong understanding of state and federal laws governing special education, including IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
EOE Employer: The North Bellmore School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions and practices on the basis of legally protected classes in accordance with Federal and State law.