Deer Park School District #414

Job Description

Assistant Director of Special Services

Purpose Statement: ,

Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent, the Assistant Director coordinates and evaluates special education programs and staﬀ and works with general education, support staﬀ, building administrators, and parents to develop appropriate programs for special education students who receive services in PK-21. May direct other programs designed to expand access for at-risk learners. This position requires knowledge of Special Education and Early Childhood procedures and regulations, the ability to assume responsibility and work eﬀectively under pressure while maintaining conﬁdentiality, and the demonstration of strong interpersonal skills.

Essential Functions:

Oversight, coordination, support, and management of special programs for students Pre-K-21.
Collect data and report to the appropriate stakeholders and decision-makers.
Conduct performance evaluations of certiﬁcated and classiﬁed staﬀ, including development of plans of improvement or recommendations of disciplinary action or termination; provide or assure training as needed.
Assist the Assistant Superintendent with compliance with state and federal requirements, e.g., identiﬁcation, assessment, placement, and provision of services; plan for short- and long-term programs.
Identify and communicate staﬃng requirements of special education programs for certiﬁcated and classiﬁed staﬀ based on student enrollment; recruit and recommend the selection and assignment of special needs programs.
Work with principals and program directors to coordinate special education curriculum and general education curriculum, ensuring that specialized instruction needs are met, including the use of assistive technology.
Work with building principals and staﬀ to support implementation of special education services.
Assist the Assistant Superintendent with administering and executing special education services in accordance with IDEA and other special education laws.
Assist in planning, development, and delivery of staﬀ professional development.
Compiles data from a variety of sources in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines and regulations to create appropriate communications, reports, memoranda, resolutions, agreements, letters, and other written material for appropriate staﬀ and prepare reports as required by district, OSPI and other agencies, including writing and monitoring IDEA grant and Safety Net.
Ensure transportation services are eﬀectively delivered to students with special needs.
Assist with the management of the special education extended school year.
Assist with alternative assessments and district assessments for special education students.
Coordinate 504 accommodation process for applicable students in regular education. Serve as liaison between school teams and the Assistant Superintendent.
Supervise OT/PT services, SLP, and school psychologists.
Serve as a liaison with the special education advisory groups and outside agencies.
Develop and communicate materials and policies, and design budgets for special programs to include serving homeless students, students in foster care, and other at-risk learners.
Serve as a member of the district’s leadership team, performing related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as
Maintain clear communications and good working relationships with all stakeholders.
Maintains complex and conﬁdential electronic and physical ﬁles and records in accordance with the appropriate records retention.
Actively pursue training to increase professional development.
Lead the evaluation and selection of out-of-district student placements when necessary.
Use technology for communication, presentations, and training.
Possess knowledge of and adhere to governing policies and district regulations, and eﬀectively lead an MTSS approach and communicate with parents to ensure a positive learning environment.
Participate as part of the administrative team to achieve district and community educational goals and fulﬁlment of the district's mission.
Participate in special projects as assigned and perform related duties and key responsibilities consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to work independently, take initiative, organize projects and details, and make decisions eﬃcaciously. Ability to communicate clearly and eﬀectively in a pleasant, tactful, and professional.
Ability to research, analyze, and interpret data, rules and regulations, codes, and statutes
Ability to exercise independent decision-making abilities, organize and manage multiple time-sensitive tasks, and facilitate resolution of diﬃcult and/or delicate parent, staﬀ, and community issues.
Demonstrated knowledge of and sensitivity toward individuals and groups from all racial, ethnic, socio-economic, gender, disability, and lifestyle backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with other district administrators and program specialists to meet student needs.
Eﬀectively lead a MTSS approach and communicate with parents to ensure a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

Teaching or ESA certification. Must maintain as current any certiﬁcation or license listed herein and held at hire date.
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in educational leadership and special education preferred.
Valid Washington State administrative certiﬁcate, or ability to obtain within 2 years.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
Five (5) years of successful teaching/ESA experience in public schools and eﬀective work with school-age students with special needs.
Three (3) years of successful administrative experience either at the building or district level is strongly preferred.
Prior experience coaching and training adult learners. Experience with evaluating both certiﬁcated and classiﬁed staﬀ preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Seldom (less than 10%)	Limited (10-30%)	Moderate (31-60%)	Frequent (61-100%)
Lifting up to 50 lbs	Standing	Sitting	Lifting/carrying up to 10 lbs
Exposure to human borne pathogens	Lifting up to 25 lbs	Stooping, bending	Repetitive keyboard usage
Lift assist over 50 lbs	Exposure to outside elements		Computer screen viewing
	After hours work
	Walking
	Twisting/Pushing/ Pulling

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT and SALARY:

As outlined by and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures of Deer Park School District. Deer Park policies and Procedures can be accessed online at https://app.eduportal.com/publicfolders/1111511/list/56713

The 2024-2025 base salary range for certificated staff in the Deer Park School District is between $119,670 to $138,729 per school year. Placement is generally based upon a combination of Education and Experience.

Benefits:

This position is benefits eligible, including medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D, and flexible spending arrangements in accordance with the state School Employees Benefits Board: https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits/school-employees

Retirement Benefits: Positions anticipated to work 70 hours or more per month for at least 5 months over a 12-month period are eligible for Retirement through the State Department of Retirement Services. https://www.drs.wa.gov/

Evaluation: This position is evaluated by the Assistant Superintendent

Application Requirements

● Applicants must complete the application online: www.dpsd.org and must include the following:

● Resume

● Cover letter

● Three (3) letters of reference

● Confidential reference checks (at least 1, including the most recent supervisor)

CLOSING DATE: May 14, 2025

As required by RCW 28A.400.303, school district employees are required to complete a Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background check. Newly hired employees are responsible for the completion of the background check prior to hire.

Verification of identity and United States Work Authorization must be completed before employment commences.

Please contact Suzanne McKibbon at 509-464-5526 if disability accommodation is needed during the application process.

Notice of Non-discrimination: Deer Park School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities, including employment, on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to:

Civil Rights	Section 504 Coordinator & Title IX Compliance Coordinator
Steve Hitchcock	Suzanne McKibbon
Assistant Principal	Assistant Superintendent
509-464-5708	509-464-5526
Steve.hitchcock@dpsdmail.org	suzanne.mckibbon@dpsdmail.org

Assistant Special Education Director