Director of Special Education and Wellness (SY 2026-27)

Basic Function: The Director of Special Education and Wellness will evaluate the needs of special education students within the network and support the instructional programs in meeting the students’ education goals by providing coordination and management of all special education programs and services in the network. They will recommend the development and/or expansion of services and programs, recommend policies, planning, implementing and working with staff; serving as a resource of information to ensure that procedures are appropriate in relation to policies required by state and federal regulatory requirements to ensure the academic and socio-emotional success of our students.Essential Duties:Special EducationEstablish and communicate a philosophy of least restrictive environment for serving special education studentsGuide the development and implementation of long-range and short-range plans for achieving special education goals and objectives in alignment with the network strategic planDevelop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, guidelines to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal special education statues Monitor the development and implementation of all aspects of the special education program processCoordinate and facilitate meetings amongst special education and other related staff Collaborate with Student Success staff to support an integrated special education program Oversee the Extended School Year (ESY) ProgramCollaborate with site administrators and Director of Student Services around student discipline of students with disabilities Interfaces with local agencies, facilities, or institutions including the El Dorado SELPA; school districts; county offices of education; or private vendors to procure services for students with exceptional needs. Develops and monitors contracts for outside services Participate in the recruitment and retention of Special Education staff in collaboration with Human Resources Supervise and evaluate all daily activities of assigned staff members Monitors and supports sites in meeting the needs of special education studentsPlan, implement and facilitate professional development for school staff both certificated and classified employees assigned the responsibility of delivering and overseeing the special education servicesProvide coaching to staff as assignedFacilitate and/or participate in all matters of dispute resolution with the California Department of Education and the Office of Civil Rights pertaining to students with disabilities; manage mediation and due process proceduresDevelop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, guidelines to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal Section 504 requirementsProvide accurate and timely data to the California Department of Education’s State Performance Plan for evaluating outcomes for students with disabilitiesDevelop, monitor, supervise and manage all aspects of the annual budgets for special education Develops or oversees and submits all required state, federal and SELPA reportsEnsures special education data is kept up to date in student information systemsMaintain accurate database and files of former and current students served in special educationManage and maintain inventory of all special education materials and suppliesMonitor assessment plans in conjunction with caregivers and staffInterprets assessment results to ensure the proper placement and IEP developmentProvides required training, legal compliance, and support to educational specialists as needed in the IEP process and formsOversee Education Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) for students with IEPsOversee all Non-Public Schools (NPS) placements and related services Participates in IEPs as necessary Participates in site and network meetings and committee as assigned Provides program updates as assigned Wellness ProgramCreate opportunities for collaboration between Network and site Special Education and Wellness TeamsOversee the coordination of mental health services (ERMHS) to students with IEPsMobilize & coordinate family, school, and community resources to support student learning and wellnessWork with Wellness Counselors to collaboratively set and monitor progress toward goalsOversee the coordination, development, and provision of a range of therapeutic mental health services and programs responsive to students’ education-related needs and goalsManage and oversee the clinical in providing clinical supervision to LPS mental health services providersIn collaboration with the clinical supervisor, organize and co-facilitate network-wide professional development for mental health providers 5-6 times/year Oversee the implementation of weekly site team meeting(s) and professional development opportunities for Wellness TeamOversee the document services and monitor student growth and progress utilizing provided data tools and practicesMonitor and collaborates with school leaders and teams to continually improve support for studentsMaintain external relationships to bring services to the studentsOther DutiesPerform related duties as assigned Minimum QualificationsEducation and ExperienceAny combination equivalent to:a bachelor’s degree from an accredited universityMinimum of 5 years direct development of IEPs and implementation 5 years administrative/supervisory experience involving special education and instructional programming, Work experience in a school district or charter management organization requiredLicensing And Other RequirementsValid California Education Specialist credential with English Learner authorizationValid California Administrative Services credential Employment eligibility that may include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearanceValid California Drivers’ LicenseKnowledge of:Principles and practices of organization, management, budget preparation, expenditure control, personnel administration, supervision and trainingSpecial education law and regulationsCurrent special education issues, trends, best practices, and research Behavior management Special education instructional programs, methods, and practices that accelerate student learning and achievementLeadership development practices and effective supervision and performance evaluationCalifornia standards, curriculum frameworks and current research-based practices and trends as they relate to work scopeCulturally-responsive pedagogy Adult learning principles and change management theoryEffective professional development practices, including data-based inquirySkills and Ability to:Support, monitor and evaluate special education instructional program effectivenessMaintain accurate records Use, and analyze data to develop action plansImplement collaborative and team building processesPlan, implement, and monitor high-leverage professional developmentFacilitate dissent and conduct difficult and constructive conversations effectivelyProvide timely and actionable feedback, including officially evaluating staff performanceProvoke, inspire and motivate people to make progress toward goalsCommunicate effectively both orally and in writingWork effectively across diverse communitiesManage various projects and/or demands demonstrating flexibility and effective time-management skillsCommunicate effectively both orally and in writing Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others Determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines Work independently with little direction Maintain records and prepare reports Plan and organize work meet schedules and timelinesProvoke, inspire and motivate others to achieve goalsWork effectively across diverse communitiesManage various projects and/or demands demonstrating flexibility and effective time-management skillsWorking Conditions:EnvironmentInstructional environment which includes indoor and outdoor activitiesOffice environmentItinerant Driving a vehicle to conduct work Work variable hoursPhysical DemandsMental acuityDexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboardHearing and speaking to communicate Seeing to observe and read materialsSitting or standing for extended periods of time Pulling, pushing, lifting and/or carrying instructional materials and equipmentLeadership Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.Notification of Non-Discrimination PolicyLeadership Public Schools prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, religion creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, parental, family, or marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex (sexual harassment), or sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Complaint forms are available at school sites and on the network webpage at www.leadps.org. For inquiries or concerns regarding LPS nondiscrimination policy or the filing of discrimination complaints please contact: Chris Harrell, Director of Student Services, Title IX Coordinator99 Linden StreetOakland, CA 94607email: charrell@leadps.orgPhone: 510-830-3780 x115Powered by JazzHRM1AM190JVO