Anticipated Opening Director of Special Services

Illinois Education Job Bank; Hazel Crest (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision and Life

Job summary

The Illinois Association of School Administrators seeks a Director of Special Services to lead district programs across Special Education, Guidance, Psychology, Social Work, Health Services, ESL, and PreSchool for All. The role aligns services with state and federal law, drives program quality, and supervises related staff.

The successful candidate will manage the PPT/IEP process, coordinate with other departments, and oversee budget and grants while advancing student-centered support and

Qualifications

• Illinois state certification as required for the position.
• Masters degree in education administration or closely related field.
• Director of Special Education endorsement required or preferred.
• Teaching certification in special education.
• Experience leading district-wide special services programs.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and evaluates district Special Services programs.
• Provides strategic leadership for continuous improvement of all special services.
• Oversees assignment and utilization of special services staff.
• Supervises PPT/IEP processes and ensures timely IEP implementation.
• Coordinates special education services with other districts and departments.
• Serves as district liaison for placement decisions and compliance.
• Oversees PreSchool for All program and early childhood services.
• Ensures confidential maintenance of student records per IDEA/FERPA laws.
• Prepares and monitors budgets for all special services programs.
• Leads collaboration with state agencies and district committees.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Staff supervision

IEP coordination

Education

Masters Degree in School Administration

Director of Special Education endorsement

Teaching Certification in special education

Job description

Anticipated Opening Director of Special Services

Duties

• Develops, implements, and evaluates the district’s Special Services programs—including Special Education, Guidance, Psychology, Social Work, Health Services, ESL, and PreSchool for All—in alignment with district goals, state and federal law, and best practices.
• Provides strategic leadership to ensure continuous improvement of all special services programs, including curricular and extracurricular components.
• Oversees the assignment and effective utilization of special education teachers, PreSchool for All teachers, school psychologists, social workers, guidance staff, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
• Supervises the PPT/IEP process, chairs meetings or collaborates with administrators as appropriate, and ensures timely and accurate implementation of all IEPs.
• Coordinates special education services with other district departments to ensure cohesive, student-centered support.

Student Services & Placement

• Serves as district liaison for students entering or exiting high school who require out-of-district day or residential placements.
• Reviews, approves, and coordinates all out-of-district placements, ensuring compliance, appropriate programming, and fiscal responsibility.
• Oversees student placement into special education programs and sections.
• Approves and maintains records for students receiving home instruction.
• Recommends and supports the development of behavioral intervention plans that are consistent with students' needs.
• Coordinates and participates in crisis intervention efforts as needed.
• Serves as the district’s “Child Find” Coordinator.

Early Childhood Services

• Oversees the district’s PreSchool for All program, including program compliance, curriculum alignment, and instructional quality.
• Supervises and supports PreSchool for All teachers, ensuring high-quality early childhood instruction and adherence to state program requirements.

Compliance, Records, and Legal Requirements

• Ensures accurate, confidential maintenance of student records in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, FERPA, and other applicable laws.
• Keeps district staff informed of changes in legislation, regulations, and compliance requirements related to special services.
• Maintains current knowledge of developments in special education, assessment, early childhood education, and school health services.

Budget, Grants, and Resource Management

• Prepares, administers, and monitors budgets for all special services programs.
• Reviews and approves requisitions for instructional materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Identifies and applies for grants to support district special services initiatives.

Collaboration, Communication & Community Engagement

• Meets with students, parents, and staff to address student needs and support collaborative problem-solving.
• Serves as liaison with state agencies and officials regarding legislation, programming, and compliance.
• Coordinates and participates in district committees, staff meetings, and professional development activities.
• Promotes a school environment that supports individualized instruction, collaborative curriculum development, and positive student outcomes.

Staff Supervision, Evaluation & Development

• Manages and supervises all personnel within Special Services, including recruitment, selection, training, and professional development.
• Evaluates special education teachers, PreSchool for All teachers, and paraprofessionals, providing constructive feedback, setting goals, and initiating corrective action when necessary.
• Supports district-wide curriculum development and staff development in areas related to special services.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversees and coordinates district Gifted and Talented programs.
• Assists with transportation planning and problem-solving for students receiving special services.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications

• Certification/License:
• Illinois State Certification as required for position.
• Teaching Certification in special education.
• Teaching Certification or license in special education, school psychology, or school social work preferred.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
• Education
• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in School Administration.
• Must have Director of Special Education endorsement

Salary/Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision and Life

Regionally Competitive Salary