This position is responsible for supporting the Department of Student Services in leading, developing, implementing, and coordinating various special education programs and services. Critical areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to, collaborating with other IU administration and staff on important initiatives, contributing to the development of a strategy for the department that is linked to IU goals, acting as a liaison to school districts, and supporting the development of entrepreneurial undertakings.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist the Assistant to the Executive Director for Student Services in reviewing, developing, and implementing activities to ensure diverse and flexible educational programs that are responsive to districts' and consumers' needs.

• Collaborate with colleagues in other departments in order to expand the student services department's ability to meet the need of increased educational achievement for all students, and to ensure that curriculum accountability and renewal is continuous, responsive to district needs, and evidence based.

• Collaborates with the Assistant to the Executive Director of Student Services in preparing the department budget (i.e. coordinates requests; implements budgetary controls) that aligns financial resources with department goals.

• Assist in developing, implementing, and assessing curricula to maximize growth and development of students through efficient and effective utilization of human and material resources.

• Actively engaging in DCIU's Continuous Improvement Process by systematically and continuously monitoring targeted processes to ensure that activities are related to outcomes.

• Participating on DCIU committees and work groups to facilitate the attainment of organizational and department goals.

• Leading review of existing program structures or norms, pinpointing strengths and opportunities for enhancement, and providing administrative assistance to ensure attainment of program objectives.

• Challenging and supporting the DCIU learning community to take risks, move at a rapid pace, engage in teamwork, and act with a sense of purpose and urgency.

• Demonstrating responsibility as a member of a professional learning community by staying current in relevant social and educational issues.

• Providing training/orientation and instruction to employees to support program goals. 

• Initiating and coordinating grant writing and entrepreneurial activities for the purpose of maximizing additional revenue sources for the DCIU and expanding program/service delivery options.

• Coordinating and leading DCIU's other programs or services as assigned.

• Ensuring compliance with all federal and state laws governing student services, policies of the DCIU Board of School Directors, and DCIU Administrative Directives as they relate to operations in the student services department.

• Fostering collegiality and team building among staff, encouraging active involvement in decision­ making and implementation of programs, and contributing to the effective team management of all problems, issues, and opportunities.

• Performs other related duties as assigned

 

Education Required:  Master's degree in special education, doctorate preferred OR Master's degree in school psychology, doctorate preferred

 

Certification Required: Minimum: Pa. Department of Education (PDE) Certification in special education OR school psychology (PREFER: Pa. Licensed Psychologist)

 

PREFER: Individual working towards or willing to work towards PDE Administrative Certification as Supervisor of Special Education, Pupil Services, or Principal.

 

Experience Required:  Eight to ten years of teaching and/or clinical experience.

 

Other Qualifications:  Oral and written communication skills, computer literacy, strong organizational skills, must use tact and diplomacy, acts as leader on student services and special education issues. Excellent decision making skills; maintain the highest level of confidentiality at all times. Ability to relate to and function effectively with people of varying background and position. Ability to communicate effectively and possess a positive and professional attitude toward duties and responsibilities. Evidence of high personal esteem and integrity and the highest level of honesty, trust and business acumen.