Assistant Director - Special Education

Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado seeks an experienced Special Education Administrator to lead district-wide programs for students with disabilities. You will align policies, supervise staff, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and district requirements.

The role requires a Master's degree and licensure in Special Education or as an Administrator/Principal, plus 3-5 years of relevant experience working with students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; additional course work for certification/licensure.
• Colorado Administrator/Principal licensure in education or eligible.
• Special education licensure (e.g., ECSE, generalist, SPED director) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to schools, including attending IEP meetings and advising on processes.
• Coordinate staff development and professional learning.
• Hire, supervise, evaluate and allocate staff in collaboration with Special Education team.
• Coordinate instructional programs and provide program development/evaluation.
• Collaborate with principals to resolve issues with families, students and staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.
• Lead data-based decision making and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Attend monthly school team meetings and engage in district-wide initiatives.

Skills

Computer and technology skills

Data analysis

Leadership

Conflict management

Communication skills

Writing

Speaking

Knowledge of district policies

Knowledge of state and federal special

Data-based decision making

Education

Master's degree

Colorado Department of Education Administrator or Principal license

Special Education licensure

Job description

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

About the Department

The Special Education Department falls within the Student Success Division overseeing special education services district wide. The department is designed to efficiently support schools in serving the needs of students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

SUMMARY Provide administrative and educational support for special education programs and services. Implement department policies and procedures and assure compliance with federal and state regulations related to special education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide technical assistance to schools including: Attendance in IEP meetings that involve committing district resources; advisement on process for significant changes in Least Restrictive Environment (LRE); guide teams in assessment and instructional best practices; inform staff about district resources, trainings, procedures, and policies; and follow up with staff on expectations for compliance with processes.
• Coordinate staff and professional development initiatives and design, coordinate and implement professional learning for staff.
• Hire, supervise, evaluate and allocate staff in collaboration with Special Education team. Assist school teams with hiring staff/SERS, as requested/needed.
• Coordinate instructional programs and provide program development and evaluation.
• Intervene and resolve problems with parents, students, staff and community in collaboration with building principals.
• Ensure implementation of Federal, State, and District regulations, policies and procedures.
• Problem solve/consult with school teams around best practices for instruction, intervention, and programming for students with disabilities. Attend monthly school team meetings. Provide regular communication with building administration and Achievement Directors
• Participate and/or lead and implement Special Education, Administrative and District/Department initiatives through the Continuous Improvement Process.
• Build and engage in professional skills in leadership, teamwork, problem solving and conflict management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXPERIENCE 3-5 years successful experience working with students with disabilities. Prefer experience with district wide initiatives.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING Master's degree plus additional course work required for certification or licensure.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Colorado Department of Education Administrator or Principal and a special education license (e.g., generalist, special service provider, ECSE), or Special Education Director licensure or eligible.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & EQUIPMENT Computer and technology skills, including use of all software programs related to work. Consistent use of emails, voicemails and prompt responses to all communications from field. Knowledge of continuous improvement process, tools used for data analysis, and the ability to lead teams in data-based decision making. Knowledge of state and federal special education laws and regulations. Knowledge and experience in processes for problem solving. Demonstrated conflict management, problem solving, resource allocation, prioritization, data analysis, collaborative decision making, relationship building, group facilitation, writing, and speaking skills. Demonstrated knowledge and use of District policies, procedures, employee contracts, and legal requirements.

DECISION MAKING Ability to work collaboratively in data-based decision making and ensure decisions are in compliance with regulations.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS Regular contact with classified and professional staff, students, families, school teams, administrators, advisory committees, public agencies, Board of Education, citizen committees, general public, vendors/contractors, and state legislature to exchange information and maintain relationships.

SPAN OF CONTROL Directly supervises licensed and classified employees in the Special Education Department as assigned. 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.