Executive Director of Special Services

Company: Educational Service District 123
Location: Pasco
Posted on: February 18, 2025

Job Description:

• Position Type:Administration/ Executive Director of Special Services
• Date Posted:1/15/2025
• Location:Pasco
• Date Available:07/01/2025
• Closing Date:02/07/2025Division: Special ServicesReports To: Assistant Superintendent, Educational ServicesClassification: 1.0 FTE (Certificated/Exempt)Salary Range: Starting $143,611.65 - $161,636.18SUMMARY: The Executive Director of Special Services is a senior leadership position responsible for the development and implementation of district-level, state, and federal special education programs within the ESD 123 region. This role collaborates with local school district leadership to design, implement, and monitor effective, research-based programs and strategies for students with disabilities and at-risk students.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Provide strategic department leadership including the development and monitoring of department and program goals, performance measurement and continuous improvement plans.
  • Provide leadership in the development of new programs, initiatives, and enterprises through grants, cooperatives, partnerships, and other ventures that are aligned with the agency's missions and regional needs.
  • Lead and assist school districts in implementing high-quality programs and strategies for special education students.
  • Develop and manage the ESD 123 Special Education Consortium.
  • Prepare and manage contracts with districts and agencies as needed.
  • Ensure all departments maintain all subject level policies and procedures that align with agency and applicable laws and regulations.
  • Lead and participate in a variety of professional development and meetings with district leaders and agency staff both regionally, statewide, and nationally.
  • Lead annual program expansion and monitor data to ensure implementation success and sustainability.
  • Represent all programs at the executive team level.
  • Respond to changing needs of regional districts and partnerships to better support students, customers, families etc.
  • Oversee the preparation, revision, and monitoring of budgets within established timelines.
  • Complete all necessary and required applications for state and federal grants or other funding for ESD 123 and regional school districts.
  • Provide oversight and assistance to department Directors in monitoring and evaluating program operations, strategies, compliance, and results. Including, but not limited to providing training, coaching and recommendations as needed to enhance services and outcomes.
  • Collaborate with other ESD 123 departments to develop cohesive programs that support school district initiatives.
  • Select and develop professional learning opportunities for special education constituents.
  • Align Moving All to Success & Health (MASH) services with district special education programs to support students with severe behavior and mental health needs.
  • Provide assistance and support to Candy Mountain Academy including but not limited to collaborating with program administrators to design and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) that cater to students with special needs.
  • Maintain confidentiality.Supervisory:
    • Oversee hiring process in assigned areas and supervise and evaluate staff as assigned.
    • Support and implement ESD policies, regulations, procedures and administrative directives.
    • Supervise administrative staff, itinerant staff, and contractors.
    • Provide oversight of Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT), Candy Mountain Academy, Audiology, and the MASH team, including but not limited to, ensuring programs operate within budgetary constraints while maintaining service quality.
    • Develop and manage professional growth and responsibilities and promote a positive work environment.OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
      • Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
      • Effective decision making, problem solving, organizational, and time management skills.
      • Secure funds through grant writing and resource utilization to sustain and expand programs.
      • Provide required reports according to agency, district, and OSPI policies and deadlines.
      • Ensure compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, state and federal confidentiality, data reporting requirements, and laws.
      • Coordinate with various teams and departments to develop and implement intervention plans for students with behavioral and mental health needs.
      • Promote professional development opportunities for staff to ensure the use of current best practices.
      • Facilitate connections with community organizations to support smooth transitions for children across educational stages.
      • Oversee department operations and staff to support service delivery across educational settings.
      • Performs related duties as assigned.*QUALIFICATIONS:Required:
        • Master's Degree in a job-related field.
        • Minimum of five (5) years of successful K-12 administrative experience with a Washington State program administrator or principal credential.
        • Minimum of five (5) years of special education instructional or ESA experience within the K-12 system.
        • Demonstrated experience in managing special education programs in settings tailored to students with diverse behavioral needs.
        • Familiarity with early childhood development and early intervention strategies.
        • Reliable transportation with a valid driver's license and necessary insurance.
        • WSP/FBI background clearance.Preferred:
          • Experience as a trainer or coordinator.
          • Knowledge of family-centered practices and collaborative work with families and service providers.
          • Experience with statewide projects.
          • Familiarity with culturally relevant and equitable service practices.Requires knowledge of:
            • ESD 123 Special Programs philosophy and practice.
            • Exceptional skill in human relations, verbal and written communications, and leadership.
            • Washington State Educational Reform, Response to Intervention, Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Regulatory Code of Washington (RCW), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
            • Multidisciplinary team roles and their contributions to student success in special education.
            • The unique educational approaches and behavioral interventions employed at Candy Mountain Academy.
            • Federal and state regulations governing early intervention services, including IDEA Part C.
            • Best practices in early childhood development and family engagement strategies.
            • Community resources supporting children with developmental delays and their families.Requires the ability to:
              • Lead, work, and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, school district staff, OSPI staff, board members, community organizations, and stakeholders.
              • Organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan for future needs and goals.
              • Demonstrate effective communication strategies, both written and verbal.
              • Implement trauma-informed care and inclusive practices in educational settings.
              • Lead multidisciplinary teams to provide coordinated services for children and families.
              • Research and analyze data to support data-driven decision-making for programs and services.
              • Advocate for the needs of infants, toddlers, and their families within the community.
              • As ESD work is multi-faceted, entrepreneurial, and expected to meet a variety of needs for schools and districts, successful candidates will need to demonstrate an array of experiences and the ability to be nimble and resourceful.
              • Work across agencies, districts and departments to integrate services and develop collaborative agreements.
              • Collaborate with district and state partners to accomplish program objectives.
              • Organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan to meet future needs and goals.
              • Maintains dress and appearance appropriate to a professional office setting.POSITION BENEFITS:
                • Access to full benefits (SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance. WA DRS SERS retirement plan. Medical reimbursement account, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance etc.).
                • Access to the agency's wellness and employee assistance program
                • 12 paid sick days (accrued monthly).
                • 15 paid vacation days (accrued monthly). Increases to 20 days after year one.
                • 13 paid holidays.TRAITS THAT YOU MUST POSSESS:
                  • Proactive self-starter. A strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
                  • Flexible and can thrive in a fast-paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
                  • Possess confidence while being humble - lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
                  • Hungry - always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step or opportunity.
                  • Smart - have common sense about people. Good judgement and intuition around the subtleties of group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions.ABOUT OUR TEAM AND AGENCYHelping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to our Culture Playbook, and always looking for ways to say, "Yes, and---" Each member of our ESD team must be humble, hungry, and smart, with a focus on making his or her teammates look good while working toward achieving our mission.We want this position to be one that you are or can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy. We are looking for someone who is proud to join our ESD One Team!WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel will be required to local school districts and program sites, and for workshops, committee representation and conferences at local, regional, and state level. Sitting for extended periods of time may be required. Lifts and carries a maximum of 35 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.
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Keywords: Educational Service District 123, Pasco , Executive Director of Special Services, Executive , Pasco, Washington