Special Services Director (Special Education/Federal Programs)

Special Services Director (Special Education/Federal Programs) Sisseton School District Central Office - Sisseton, South Dakota This job is also posted in Sisseton School District Job Details

Job ID:

5723135

Application Deadline:

Posted until filled

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Jul 1, 2026 Job Description

POSITION TITLE

Special Services Director

REPORTS TO

Superintendent

FLSA:

Exempt Administrative

QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess a Master's Degree in Administration or possess a valid South Dakota certificate that meets the requirements for director of special education as set forth by the Department of Education, or a minimum of a bachelor's degree in education and three years of special education teaching experience and/or school administrative experience, or alternatives to the above qualifications as the school board may find appropriate and acceptable. All applicants must hold current South Dakota Department of Education certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires constant hand-eye and mind-eye coordination, hearing, intermittent keyboarding, speaking, and walking. Frequent repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers, standing, carrying, lifting, and opening.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Effective communication skills, effective team-building skills, and effective organizational skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Skills in human relations, leadership, and conflict management. Knowledgeable of teaching techniques that meet the diverse needs of students.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for oversight of the Special Education and Federal Programs (Title I, Title II, Title IV, Title VI, Title IX, ELL, Migrant, Homeless, etc.) in order to comply with state and federal regulations. Responsible for oversight of program priorities, activities, and plans for the future. The director must work cooperatively with all staff, students, parents, the Department of Education, and the community to provide quality education to meet the needs of all students involved in these programs. Serve as a professional advisor to the superintendent in matters pertaining to the special services for the district.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Exhibit leadership qualities important for the supervision of staff and programs: interviewing/hiring/training employees; planning, assigning, directing work, etc. Assist the Superintendent in the selection, assignment, orientation, supervision, and evaluation of all personnel for whom she/he has supervisory responsibility and serve as primary oversight of all special education staff and programming. Have knowledge of federal, state, and district special education guidelines and of issues in all disability areas. Provide District-wide services, including preparation and dissemination of appropriate documents required by special education law/regulations to coordinators, staff, parents, and community members. Offer suggestions regarding modifications/accommodations and placement of students. Participate in the planning and implementation of special education staff development. Keep informed of legal requirements governing special education. Attend and participate in placement meetings, IEP meetings, and periodic parent/communication meetings. Arrange for support services and related services for students, if necessary. Create, review, revise, update, and disseminate the district Comprehensive plan as required by the SD Department of Education. Collect, maintain, and report accurate Child Count data as required for district and SD DOE. Prepare, maintain, and report all materials as required for SD DOE compliance reviews. Coordinate review team. Develop corrective action plans as needed based on compliance reviews, confer with building coordinators/staff regarding implementation of plans, and monitor implementation of all action plans. Recommend budget expenditures and comply with the adopted budget for special education services. Create budgets and complete grants for special education-related funds, including

IDEA 611, IDEA

619, state grants, etc. Implement and oversee processes of filing for Medicaid reimbursements. Evaluate on an ongoing basis the total special education program, curriculum, procedures, staff, and individual student needs and achievements and coordinate contracted services for student evaluations. Meet with parents referred by building staff/administration to address serious concerns/complaints related to special education services. Coordinate processes aligned with the planning and implementation of services for students who are eligible under Section 504. Demonstrate effective organizational skills and completes duties promptly and accurately. Demonstrate knowledge of finance and budget within the specific area(s) of authority and discharges the responsibility for making expenditures in accordance with the operational philosophy of the Board of Education. Prepare assigned sections of the SD DOE consolidated application and other federal grant programs related to Title programs and Special Education services. Plan, implement, and evaluate Title programs, in conjunction with other administrators, to comply with state and federal regulations. Assist with the planning, recommendation, and implementation of annual budgets for assigned Title and federal programs. Maintain records, implement, and evaluate procedures as needed for documentation for state and federal Title programs. Coordinate and develop building/district parent involvement activities, with support from principals, including the annual parent meeting. Ensure Title program requirements are met as specified in ESSA. Monitor EL/Homeless/Migrant programs compliance and services. Serve as District Title IX coordinator.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Develop and demonstrate effective communications through regular staff meetings, communications, and personal contacts. Develop and follow a plan of self-improvement that promotes both personal and organizational goals. Establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships with administrators and school staff Implement and comply with District policies and procedures Maintain and submit information/records including student progress for all students Maintain consistent attendance and conform to regular work hours specified under the contract Maintain records and information concerning individual students in the prescribed confidential manner and using the records and information only for the purposes for which they are maintained according to FERPA guidelines Participate in various meetings for the purpose of addressing student IEP/504 goals and needs. Share with other staff members the responsibility for school activities and student supervision as needed. Perform related duties as assigned by the Superintendent in accordance with school district policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of special education and federal title program requirements. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with other professionals in a team setting. Ability to interact positively and effectively with parents, students, staff, and administrators. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Knowledge of and skills in using effective instructional strategies and practices. Knowledge of and skills in administering, scoring and interpreting assessments. Knowledge and understanding of child and adolescent development, specialized student needs, and communication development. Skills in managing and promoting positive student behavior. Skills in data analysis to assess, monitor, and inform instruction for student growth. Skills and abilities in organization, time management, and record keeping. Ability to operate a computer and the skills to learn and utilize software and other technology in instruction.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be determined in accordance with the evaluation policy and procedures of the board of education.

PUBLIC DEMANDS

Presents a proactive and positive image of the school, students, and staff, and fosters the district mission to educate and empower all students to become successful, contributing citizens in an ever-changing world.

Position Type:

Full-Time