JOB PURPOSE STATEMENT. Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, provides leadership, coordination, and supervision of the District Special Education Programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
•Organizes and provides general supervision of District Special Education Programs and staff; provides liaison between the District and public and private agencies; assures District compliance with program requirements; assure compliance with State laws; and assure meeting the master plan for special education requirements.
•Cooperates with public and private agencies, organizations and professional personnel in securing and providing services for special education students.
•Provide leadership and support to principals and teachers in implementing special education procedures.
•Coordinates placement of exceptional students in appropriate programs outside of District when required.
•Interprets and articulates the program to school personnel and the community stakeholders.
•Serves as a resource to schools in interpretation and application of Federal, State, County and local laws and regulations.
•Assists in the resolution of problems (differences and disputes regarding the education and services for our students with special needs) with students and parents.
•Prepares materials for presentation to the Governing Board and does follow-up correspondence.
•Coordinate with school principals to assure appropriate on-site management of Individualized Educational Plans(IEPs) and appropriate utilization of special education classes and services.
•Develop and oversee staff development programs concerning special education.
•Supervises special program development, assuring continuous improvement of effectiveness through the application of innovation of appropriate instructional methods and techniques.
•Recommends necessary modification and changes in District special education programs to ensure that the special education programs in the District are of high quality. Ensures that students in the special education programs achieve academic and social success.
•Develop policies, procedures and regulations for the special education program.
•Monitor the effective use of the SEIS system.
•Represent the district in Fair Hearing, Due Process and Mediation Conferences.
•Participate at State level meetings, committees and legislative activities.
•Prepare and monitor the special education budget, maintaining records of program equipment, facilities and materials.
•Prepares reports on various aspects of the special education program.
•Provides leadership and supervises the Special Education Coordinators, Program Specialists and District Itinerants.
• Collaborates with Personnel Support Services on the recruitment and hiring of well qualified certificated and classified employees for the special education program. • Stay current on policies and practices in the field of Special Education.
• Collaborates with all district divisions/ departments.
• Attend Governing Board Meetings.
• Maintains the confidentiality of information used in personnel issues, District functions and/or areas of responsibility.
• Establishes a communication network with other District/County-wide Special Education Professionals.
• Ensures that visitors, including administrators, staff, parents, and the public are received by site staff members utilizing optimal customer service.
• Supervises and evaluates the performance of all assigned personnel in accordance with the District’s adopted uniform guidelines for evaluation and assessment.
• Attends and participates in Governing Board and other meetings as required.
• Utilizes technology to maximize job performance; Prioritizes and manages a variety of complex tasks and analyzes situations accurately and adopts an effective course of action.
• Works independently, establishes and maintains project deadlines, manages multiple projects, works with a variety of individuals and groups, communicates orally and in writing, and travels to various locations.
• Demonstrates a high visibility throughout the District and sites.
• Administers the Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Special Education Program Requirements.
• Special Education Compliance.
• District, State and Federal Laws.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• California State Content Standards.
• Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Ability to:
• Lead the Special Education Team
• Collaborate with other departments/ divisions
• Make well informed decisions
• Listen
• Prioritize
• Share the “why” behind decisions

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in a related field required; Doctorate desirable
Experience Required: Successful teaching and administrative experience required; District and/or site special education experience required.
Licenses, Certifications, Bonding and/or Testing Required: Valid Administrative Services Credential (required); Valid CA Driver’s License and evidence of insurability; Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance, and negative pre-employment drug screen test/negative TB results.

About Lake Elsinore Unified School District

Located in Southwest Riverside County, the Lake Elsinore Unified School District covers more than 144 square miles and serves TK-12 students from the cities of Lake Elsinore, Canyon Lake and Wildomar, and several unincorporated Riverside County communities, including Lakeland Village and Horsethief Canyon. The district operates 24 schools, as well as alternative education programs. Approximately 20,712 students, grades TK-12, are served by LEUSD. The AVID program is offered at many of our elementary, middle and high schools; three schools have earned the distinction of AVID National Demonstration Schools: Terra Cotta Middle School, Elsinore High School, and Lakeside High School. Participating No Excuses University schools include Cottonwood Canyon Elementary, Earl Warren Elementary, and Donald Graham Elementary. Temescal Canyon High School offers the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and is an IB certified World School. The district’s mission of preparing students for college and career success through a shared commitment is evident every day at every school. Through a shared commitment with our community, we ensure rigorous, relevant, and globally competitive opportunities for each student in a supportive learning environment.

Connections working at Lake Elsinore Unified School District