Director of Student Services

Acushnet Public Schools; Acushnet (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Acushnet Public Schools seeks a Director of Student Services to lead special education programs, coordinate student placements, and supervise related staff. The role ensures compliance with federal IDEA and state requirements while guiding budgetary planning and program evaluations.

The position involves collaboration with principals, families, and community partners to deliver high-quality services, monitor outcomes, and support district strategic initiatives in Acushnet.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts Certification as Director of Special Needs.
• Ten years of education experience, including at least four years as a special needs teacher or school psychologist in one district.
• Master's degree; citizenship, residency or work visa as required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to IDEA and state CH 766 mandates and oversee related programs.
• Coordinate and support placements and services for students with special needs across schools.
• Manage district Child Find outreach and preschool screening.
• Prepare and administer annual operating budgets for special education and monitor expenditures.
• Provide staff development on special education issues and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Interact with parents, agencies, and community resources to support students and families.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Technology skills

Education

Master's degree in Special Needs/Psychology/Counseling

Massachusetts Certification: Director of Special Needs

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Statistical software

Job description

Director of Student Services

Acushnet Public Schools Acushnet Public Schools - Acushnet, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5939217

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 24, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Assures adherence to, and implementation of, all Federal (IDEA) and State (Ch 766) mandates. Also, ensures the implementation of all programs and services determined by the TEAM evaluation process adhering to all Coordinated Program Review Standards.

Understands and implements federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations, and procedures and protocols including the implications of liability and requirements of due process.

Coordinates and assists building principals in finding the best combination of educational programs, assistive technology, and other services, for each school-age child with special needs; including placement of school-age children with special needs in programs designated as day school programs and residential school programs.

Oversees the coordination and management of the District’s Child Find outreach efforts for children aged three to five years who reside in the community, including pre-school screening.

Coordinates testing and diagnostic procedures including securing psychological and counseling services as they relate to special education including managing of all related contracted services.

Prepares and administers, under procedures established by the Superintendent of Schools, an annual operating budget, and provides expenditure control on established budgets for special education services.

Coordinate and in some cases provides, staff development and workshops/trainings regarding special education issues that assure compliance with special education services.

Attend state and regional meetings and participate actively in professional organizations.

Facilitate communications and working relationships with parents, outside agencies and community resources; and provide support and assistance to the Special Needs Parent Advisory Council.

Coordinate, and prepare reports and statistical information required by the DESE and other state/federal programs. (i.e. circuit breaker)

Oversee, prepare and administer all Federal and State Grant programs and early childhood programs as they relate to special education.

Assures adherence to the DESE Coordinated Program Review Standards.

Oversees, coordinates, and monitors special education programs beyond the school day and school year, collaborative placements, private school placements, supported work experience programs, and transitional programs for Fairhaven students identified as having a special need.

Evaluates special education staff and will assign all support service personnel regarding special education services.

Coordinates tutorial services.

Coordinates special education transportation.

Interpret the objectives and programs of special education for the Superintendent, School Committee, administration, faculty and staff and the school community.

Serves as the district’s Early Childhood Coordinator.

Ensures access to High Quality Early Education and Care.

Oversees the Integrated pre-school Program.

Works with Building Principals re: Full-Day Kindergarten.

Assess school readiness at Kindergarten entry.

Identify the appropriate use of the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Responsible for the acquisition of BCBA providers.

Implements proper utilization of BCBA services.

Perform other duties coordinating Home Schooling, English Language Learner Education and Homeless Families (McKinney Vento Act).

Partnership with Families and Community

Recognizes his/her role as an integral member of the educational leadership team that effectively communicates to staff, parents, students, and community members a systemic approach that models teamwork encourages collegiality, and supports collaboration.

Demonstrates the ability to listen to the concerns of all school community members in an approachable, respectful manner, while setting boundaries in dealing with confrontational situations with others.

Communicates and interacts with parents and the community in a way that promotes a high level of open and honest communication.

Expresses him/herself clearly and confidently orally and in writing; capable of responding effectively in a public forum.

Ensure High Level Learning for All Children

Recognizes that student learning must be the focus of all school programs and activities.

Believes that all youngsters have the natural ability to succeed at high levels of learning and it is the behaviors and actions of the adults in the school that nurture, develop, and encourage each and every student.

Holds teachers accountable for having high standards and positive expectations so that all students can perform at high levels.

Safe Environment

Constructs a culture that advocates and models responsible student decision-making and promotes positive behavior changes and respect.

Builds caring and considerate relationships that demonstrate regard and respect for all people.

Become Independent, Productive, and Successful

Believes that all decisions should be made from the perspective of putting children’s needs first.

Resolves problems and makes decisions based on age appropriateness, educational research and common sense when dealing with issues, and understands that the integrity of the institution far outweighs the special interest of the individual.

Adheres to professional codes of ethics: maintains trust and confidentiality; models legally and morally responsible actions at all times; treats individuals with fairness, dignity, and respect; and models the core values of the school and district.

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $100,000 to $125,000 Per Year

Job Categories:

Administration > Special Education Director

Job Requirements

• 1.The Director of Student Services shall hold Massachusetts Certification credentials as a Director of Special Needs.
• 2.Minimum of ten (10) years experience in education, consisting of a minimum of four (4) years continuous experience as a special needs teacher/school psychologist in a single school system with the granting of professional teacher status in the position.
• 3.Masters Degree or higher with a major in Special Needs, Psychology, and/or Counseling Services.
• 4.At least 5 years in a school and/or district leadership position preferred.
• 5.Strong project management skills, technology skills, and demonstrated leadership ability.
• 6.Expertise with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; and in evaluating and learning new computer programs and familiarity along with both Mac and PC operating environments.
• 7.Experience with statistical software and reporting tools preferred.
• 8.Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• 9.Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative.
• 10.Ability to read, analyze, and interpret information in reports, professional journals, and state/federal materials; ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents, and the general public.
• 11.Strong analytical, computer and communication skills; thorough knowledge of federal, state, local, and school committee laws, policies, regulations, and procedure relating to special education and student services.
• 12.Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in a specific field; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and community; ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form; ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and MA DESE regulations and/or guidelines.
• 13.Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work.
• 14.Candidate should have a belief that all students can learn to develop the mission of educational excellence in Acushnet Public Schools.
• 15.The Superintendent reserves the right to alter qualifications if deemed to be in the best interest of the Acushnet Public Schools.
• Master degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Paula Bailey , Superintendent
• 708 Middle Road Ste 1
• Acushnet, Massachusetts 02743
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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