Director of Special Education and Student Services

Job Title: Director of Special Education and Student Services Location: Essex County Public Schools, Virginia Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Administrative Position Reports To: Assistant Superintendent Job Summary: The Director of Special Education and Student Services is responsible for the leadership, administration, coordination, and evaluation of special education and related student support services in accordance with federal and state laws, regulations, and local policies. This position ensures the delivery of high-quality programs and services that meet the diverse academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and developmental needs of students with disabilities. The Director oversees special education and related student services, including school counseling, Section 504, mental health supports, and other student intervention and support programs. The Director also serves as the division's Disciplinary Review Officer, liaison to the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT), and coordinator for private day school placements, ensuring appropriate processes, documentation, communication, and compliance related to these responsibilities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Special Education and Student Services Leadership Provide vision and leadership in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating special education and student support services. Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and applicable Virginia Department of Education requirements. Oversee the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans. Coordinate professional development and training for instructional and support staff in special education, student services, behavioral supports, compliance, and related areas. Collaborate with principals and other school leaders to promote inclusive practices, effective interventions, positive behavior supports, and equitable student outcomes. Respond to and assist in resolving parent, student, and staff concerns regarding special education and student support services. Disciplinary Review Officer Serve as the Essex County Public Schools Disciplinary Review Officer, providing division-level review and oversight of disciplinary matters involving all students and other matters assigned by the Superintendent. Review disciplinary referrals and proposed disciplinary actions involving students with disabilities to ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, Virginia law, and local school board policy. Coordinate and/or oversee the appropriate manifestation determination review process when required. Ensure that disciplinary decisions appropriately consider students' educational needs, disability-related considerations, procedural safeguards, and applicable legal requirements. Collaborate with principals, special education staff, school psychologists, counselors, parents/guardians, and other appropriate personnel regarding disciplinary matters. Maintain appropriate documentation and records related to disciplinary reviews and provide information and recommendations to the Superintendent as needed. CPMT Liaison and Interagency Coordination Serve as the division's liaison to the Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) and represent Essex County Public Schools in matters involving students receiving services through the Children's Services Act (CSA). Attend CPMT meetings and other required interagency meetings as the division's designated representative or designee. Coordinate communication and collaboration among schools, families, the Department of Social Services, CSA personnel, Community Services Boards, juvenile justice agencies, private providers, and other community partners. Ensure that appropriate educational information, documentation, and recommendations are provided to support interagency planning and decision-making. Coordinate with school personnel regarding students receiving or being considered for CSA-funded services. Monitor the educational component of interagency service plans and assist in ensuring that services support the student's educational, behavioral, and developmental needs. Maintain appropriate documentation and follow-up related to CPMT/CSA matters and communicate significant issues or recommendations to the Superintendent. Private Day School Placement Coordinator Serve as the division coordinator for private day school placements for students whose educational needs cannot be appropriately met through available public school programs and services. Coordinate the referral, evaluation, placement, enrollment, and transition processes associated with private day school placements. Work collaboratively with IEP teams, parents/guardians, school administrators, special education personnel, private providers, and other agencies to determine appropriate placement options. Ensure that private day school placements are supported by appropriate educational documentation, IEP requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations. Coordinate placement agreements, required documentation, communication with private schools, and other administrative requirements. Monitor student placements and services to ensure that students receive appropriate educational and related services consistent with their IEPs. Maintain records related to private day school placements, costs, services, and student outcomes. Participate in placement reviews and transition planning to determine whether continued private placement remains appropriate or whether the student may successfully transition to a less restrictive educational setting. Monitor expenditures associated with private day school placements and collaborate with appropriate division personnel regarding budgetary considerations. Budget, Grants, and Data Management Oversee the development and management of special education and student services budgets and applicable federal, state, and local grants. Monitor expenditures and ensure that funds are used appropriately and in accordance with applicable regulations and grant requirements. Collect, analyze, and report data related to special education, student services, discipline, placements, and student outcomes to inform planning and decision-making. Prepare required state and federal reports and documentation. Monitor compliance indicators and develop corrective action or improvement plans when necessary.. Qualifications Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required. Postgraduate Professional License from the Virginia Department of Education with endorsements in Administration and Supervision PreK�12 and Special Education. Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or administrative role. Comprehensive knowledge of federal and Virginia special education laws, policies, and procedures. Knowledge of student discipline requirements, the Children's Services Act (CSA), CPMT processes, and private special education placements. Strong organizational, leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and work collaboratively across departments and agencies. Preferred Qualifications Experience managing special education budgets and federal grants. Experience serving as a special education administrator responsible for disciplinary review and compliance. Experience working with CPMT, CSA, Department of Social Services, Community Services Boards, juvenile justice agencies, and other interagency partners. Experience coordinating private day school or other out-of-district placements. Background in leading student services initiatives such as school counseling, mental health programs, behavioral intervention, or multi-tiered systems of support. Terms of Employment Full-time, 12-month contract Salary commensurate with experience and district salary schedule Benefits package included