Title:

Assistant Director of Special Education

Work Unit/Location:

Central Office

Reports to:  

Director of Special Education

 

Contract Length:

12 Months

Pay Schedule:

District Administrator

Overtime Status:

Exempt

Hours:

Hours required to accomplish the job; minimum 40/week

Union Status:

Non-Union

Licensure:

 Valid New Mexico Level lll Special Education Teacher’s License and Administrator License

General Job Function:    The Assistant Director shall have district-wide responsibility for
programs and services included in the student services department.  Such programs and
services include special education, Section 504 compliance, social work services,
psychological services, coordination of student hearings; homebound instruction, school
safety plans, and advice policy revision and development in the areas pertaining to Student
Services.  Provides appropriate educational programs and services to individuals with
disabilities 2 to 21 years of age within the parameters of the federal law, New Mexico law,
Public Education Department, and EPS Board Policy.  The Assistant Director will be
responsible for ongoing planning, supervision, monitoring, and evaluation of special
education programs, staff, and due process compliance. This includes supervising and
evaluating staff in Early Childhood Special Education as well as Special Education staff.  This
is accomplished through collaboration with principals, district administrators, and other
stakeholders; observation, evaluation, and coaching of staff; and participation in and
leading professional development and training in special education. Will assist ELL students
in need of services within the department and oversee the preschool programs and
extended school year (ESY) program for special needs students.   
 
Education/Training/Experience:  
Minimum:  
? Master’s degree in Educational Administration with emphasis in administration,
organization curriculum development, supervision leadership, and finance. 
? Valid New Mexico Level III Special Education Teacher’s License 
? Valid New Mexico Administrator’s License. 
? Five (5) years of prior Special Education teaching experience.
 
Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:
? Knowledge of elementary and secondary best instructional practices. 
? Knowledge of IDEA, 504, Due Process regulations and the educational process
gained through directly related experience and education. 
? Knowledge and skill in use of computers and assorted software programs
? Knowledge of special education law, codes, regulations, policies and procedures
? Knowledge of special education curriculum, equipment, and other available resources
? Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
? Knowledge of basic needs and limitations of students with exceptional needs
? Knowledge of best practices in behavior management and social emotional learning
? Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instruction
? Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with administrators, staff,
students, and the community
? Ability to work independently, with minimum direction, and make decisions within the
framework of established guidelines
? Ability to work effectively with all levels of district staff, parents, students, the community

? Ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines
? Ability to establish and maintain records, and maintain a confidentiality of privileged
information obtained in the course of work
? Ability to analyze situations and adopt an effective course of action
 
Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to):  
Standard office equipment.  Basic Office Computer program abilities. (Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Google, Publisher)
 
Physical/Cognitive Requirements:  
Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls;
communicate verbally and electronically; reach with hands and arms; stand and move
throughout the building and/or to other facilities, and drive.  Occasionally required to lift
and/or exert force of up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance
vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.
 
Work Environment:
? Indoor office environment
? Moderate noise
? Continuous contact with students, staff, parents, and the community
? Frequent travel between district sites
Essential Job Functions: 
 
1. Coordinate referral and diagnostic process with the Director.
1. Coordinate C to B and Child Find process with the Director.
2. Coordinate and oversee the pre-school and summer programs for special
education students.
3. Recruit, supervise and evaluate the performance of special education staff and
programs.
4. Assists in the screening and selection of classified and certificated special education staff for
programs or services as assigned.
5. Provide ongoing supervision and evaluation of student programs in special
education to ensure high quality educational instruction.
6. Ensures district-wide compliance and with applicable federal and state laws, regulations,
and codes specific to special education programs and services, as assigned.
7. Monitors and completes mandated reporting of applicable student data and/or district
performance indicators through federal and state software programs or management
systems STARS/NOVA as assigned.
8. Coordinate professional development and in-service training for staff within the
Student Services department. (Teachers, Educational Assistants, and Social
Workers, etc.)
9. Participate in meetings related to student transportation and work with the
student transportation department to assist special needs students with
appropriate transportation.
10. Ensure that the appropriate Individual Education Plan (IEP) is designed and
implemented with fidelity for all students receiving special education services.
11. Ensure IEPs for students receiving special education services are current and that
evaluations and reevaluations are on schedule.
12. Attends IEP meetings requiring special education administrative support as requested.

13. Assist the Director with the implementation of ancillary services and ESY. 
14. Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Superintendent, or
Deputy Superintendent.
15. Support Principals with Special Education programs at the site, including teacher
evaluations or feedback.
16. Help coordinate special education safety plans as it pertains to students with IEPs
17. Serve as a District Advocate to support Building Principals
18. Travel throughout the District as needed to provide on-site support and attend
meetings
19. Participate in District Wellness Policy.
20. Participate in NM Pre-K Meetings and support the schools
21. Communicates and consults with parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding programs and services for
students with special needs for programs as assigned.
22. Collaborates with state and federal agencies that participate in educational programs for
students with special needs and local community agencies that provide special services
applicable to assigned programs.
23. Other duties as assigned

Personal Accountability:
1. Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality.
2. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness.
3. Begins and completes work within the allotted time.
4. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment.
5. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment including its capabilities, limitations,
and appropriate/special application to include the student information system (SIS)
(SE)
6. Protects the District’s resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and
equipment.
7. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.
Typical Physical Characteristics: (with or without use of aids; consideration will be given
to reasonable accommodation).
? Inspect documents and other written materials with fine print
? Communicate to exchange information in person, in small groups, and/or on the telephone
? Move about school and facilities to conduct work, including walking, standing, sitting,
reaching with arms and hands, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling,
or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time
? Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination
? Emotional stamina to endure long hours under sometimes stressful conditions
Other Characteristics:
? Ability to work additional hours and weekends on occasion
? Ability to travel locally and attend conferences/seminars periodically
This job description is not a complete statement of essential functions and responsibilities. The district
retains the discretion to add or change typical duties of a position at any time.
Salary:  As per the approved salary schedule range $68,640-$74,770