Director of Special Education - Options For Youth
Pasadena, CA
About the Job
Job Description
Who We Are:
Options for Youth is a network of free public charter schools offering students a flexible, personalized approach to learning. OFY saw the potential that struggling students couldn’t see in themselves. When California’s Charter School Law passed in 1993, Options For Youth became the first sanctioned charter school in California. For almost 30 years, OFY has helped more than 135,000 students find their passion and pursue their dreams. OFY believes in fostering the student’s vision; inspiring students inspires us. We believe the student-teacher relationship is critical to developing a young person’s social, emotional, and academic well-being. If you believe this too, then you might be the educator that we’re looking for.
Job Description:
The prime directive of this position is Special Education compliance and to accomplish the goals of the Opportunities for Learning and Options for Youth Leadership Teams. This position manages the actions of the OFL/OFY Special Ed department and works to ensure all area’s compliance with Special Education. This position will be located at the corporate office and will provide support to both field and corporate staff.
Essential Functions include, but are not limited to the following:*
Serve as a liaison between OFL/OFY leadership and SELPAs.
Coach SES Leads and provide oversight and consultation to SPED field staff.
Prepare and submit SELPA applications; attend SELPA orientation meetings.
Collaborate with charter development teams to draft special education sections for charter applications.
Address and resolve parent complaints related to special education.
Review, sign, and approve SELPA paperwork, including submission of annual CDE reports.
Support LEAD SES teachers by reviewing IEPs for compliance and monitoring overall compliance.
Attend and represent the organization in due process mediations and hearings.
Provide input from a special education perspective when working with the executive team.
Stay informed on changes in special education laws and CDE requirements.
Consult with legal counsel as necessary for high-profile cases.
Collaborate with other Directors to ensure overall compliance of special education programs and staff.
Plan, organize, and direct special education programs effectively.
Interpret relevant laws and the Educational Code for staff and leadership.
Oversee special education programs or projects and perform related duties as assigned.
Train and support staff (e.g., resource specialists, service providers) in the planning and implementation of IEPs for students with disabilities.
Coordinate and provide access to curricular resources for personnel in need.
Assess program effectiveness to drive improvements in assigned areas.
Participate in assessment teams and IEP meetings with students and parents as required.
Review psycho-educational reports for accuracy and relevance.
Deliver training to general education staff to enhance their understanding of special education needs.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of journal articles and case law to share with staff.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
Communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
Effectively transmit knowledge and skills to others.
Plan, develop and conduct meetings and training programs.
Develop measurable goals and objectives, set priorities, monitor expenditures.
Ability to travel to multiple locations in a day.
Maintain positive working relationships with corporate staff, teachers, parents, students and others.
Make presentations to various audiences.
Deal with challenges inherent in working with multiple school districts.
Significant physical abilities include reaching, handling, talking, hearing conversations and other sounds, visual acuity/depth perception.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:
Five years of successful Special Education experience preferred.
Master’s Degree with emphasis on Specialized Training in Special Education curriculum and instruction preferred.
Education and Experience:
Valid Special Education Credential (Mild/Mod) required.
Valid Admin Credential preferred.
*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all inclusive. They describe the general nature and level of work being performed and/or represent typical elements and criteria considered necessary to successfully perform the job. The Company retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.
Location:
This position will support OFY- Duarte, OFY-Acton, OFY-Victor Valley, OFY-San Bernardino, OFY- San Juan and additional charter schools.
Salary Range:
$140,000 - $180,000
Application Process:
For consideration when you apply via Workday, please upload a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.