Director of Student Services and Special Education

Director of Student Services and Special Education SouthSide Elementary Charter School SouthSide Elementary Charter School - Providence, Rhode Island Job Details

Job ID:

5780506

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Jul 1, 2026 Job Description Director of Student Services & Special Education

Position Type:

Full-Time, 12-Month

Reports To:

School Director / Principal

Supervises:

Special Education Staff; Related Service Providers; Student Support Personnel as Assigned Position Summary The Director of Student Services & Special Education serves as the school's senior leader for special education and student support services. This position ensures full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regulations, and other applicable federal and state requirements while leading systems that support student success. The Director oversees special education programming, related services, Section 504 implementation, and the coordination of student support systems, including MTSS, behavioral supports, attendance interventions, and social-emotional supports. The position is responsible for ensuring students receive high-quality, legally compliant services and that staff are supported in meeting student needs. This role is essential to maintaining regulatory compliance, improving student outcomes, and fostering a coordinated, data-informed approach to student support. Authority & Decision-Making The Director of Student Services & Special Education has delegated authority over special education and student services compliance decisions, including IEP determinations, service delivery coordination, manifestation determinations, Section 504 implementation, and procedural safeguards, in alignment with federal and state law and under the supervision of the School Director / Principal. Core Responsibilities I. Special Education Leadership & IDEA Compliance Serve as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative for special education. Ensure compliance with

IDEA, RIDE

regulations, and all procedural safeguards. Oversee IEP development, implementation, timelines, evaluations, eligibility determinations, reevaluations, and manifestation determinations. Ensure students receive services in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and ensure appropriate progress reporting. Supervise, evaluate, and provide performance feedback to special education staff. Coordinate and oversee related service providers to ensure compliance with service delivery requirements. Ensure accurate and timely submission of all required special education reports and data. Prepare for and participate in RIDE monitoring visits, corrective action processes, and special education audits. Maintain audit-ready documentation and records. II. Section 504 Coordination Serve as the school's Section 504 Coordinator. Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Section 504 plans. Ensure staff understanding and consistent implementation of accommodations. Coordinate eligibility meetings and annual reviews. Maintain compliance documentation and procedural safeguards related to Section 504. Support families and staff in understanding rights and responsibilities under Section 504.

III. MTSS

& Tiered Student Supports Provide leadership for Tier II and Tier III intervention systems across academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional domains. Collaborate with instructional leaders, interventionists, and classroom teachers to ensure effective interventions and progress monitoring. Participate in MTSS meetings and support data-driven decision-making. Assist in identifying students requiring additional support or evaluation. Monitor intervention effectiveness and recommend program improvements. Ensure alignment between MTSS, special education services, and Section 504 supports. IV. Student Services Leadership Coordinate student support services, including social work, counseling, behavioral supports, and community-based services. Collaborate with families, teachers, and outside agencies to address student needs. Support attendance intervention planning and implementation. Participate in crisis response planning and threat assessment processes. Assist with behavioral support planning and documentation. Coordinate re-entry meetings following disciplinary removals, hospitalizations, or extended absences when appropriate. Promote proactive and preventative approaches to student support and well-being. V. Related Services Oversight (Non-Fiscal) Coordinate scheduling and delivery of related services. Monitor service minutes, caseloads, and provider assignments for compliance. Ensure providers maintain required documentation and progress reporting. Serve as liaison with contracted service providers regarding service delivery expectations and compliance requirements. Collaborate with providers and families to support student success. VI. Medicaid Documentation & Reporting (Special Education-Related) Ensure accurate documentation of Medicaid-eligible services delivered under IEPs and Section 504 plans, as applicable. Oversee compliance with Medicaid requirements related to service logs, provider credentials, and alignment with student service plans. Collaborate with administrative and business office staff to support timely and accurate Medicaid reporting and claiming. Maintain audit-ready records and support Medicaid monitoring or review processes. Train and support staff regarding Medicaid documentation expectations.

Note:

This role is responsible for oversight and compliance of Medicaid documentation and reporting related to special education and Section 504 services. It does not manage billing, reimbursement receipt, or financial accounting. VII. Family & Staff Collaboration Serve as a resource to families regarding special education and student support services. Facilitate effective communication between school staff, families, and outside agencies. Provide training and support to staff on IDEA, Section 504, accommodations, behavioral supports, and compliance requirements. Promote collaborative problem-solving and shared responsibility for student success. Participate in school-wide events, family engagement opportunities, and professional learning activities. Position Scope & Scheduling This is a full-time, 12-month position. Work schedules may vary to accommodate meetings, family conferences, compliance timelines, professional development, and school events. The Director must ensure all legal timelines and compliance requirements are met. Required Qualifications Master's Degree in Special Education or a related field. Rhode Island certification or eligibility as a Director of Special Education. Demonstrated experience with IDEA compliance and IEP leadership. Knowledge of Section 504 requirements and student support systems. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Ability to analyze data and use information to improve student outcomes. Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community partners. Preferred Qualifications Experience serving as a Director of Special Education or similar leadership role. Experience with MTSS implementation and intervention systems. Experience with Medicaid documentation and compliance. Experience in a charter school or similar educational setting. Knowledge of restorative practices and trauma-informed approaches. Evaluation & Accountability The Director of Student Services & Special Education will be evaluated annually by the School Director / Principal based on, but not limited to: IDEA and Section 504 compliance. Timely completion of evaluations, meetings, and required documentation. Effectiveness of MTSS and student support systems. Accuracy and timeliness of special education and Medicaid-related reporting. Quality of supervision, collaboration, and communication. Student service delivery compliance and outcomes. Readiness for audits, monitoring visits, and compliance reviews. Family and staff satisfaction with support services. Benefits Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life Insurance Paid Time Off Retirement Plan

Work Location:

In Person

Salary Range:

$70,000-$90,000 annually (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Position Type:

Full-time