Job Description:

Director of Special Services Job Description

Morenci Unified School District seeks a dedicated and knowledgeable leader to oversee all aspects of the district’s Special Services Department, specifically Special Education. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of special education policies, compliance requirements, and instructional best practices, along with strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in Special Education or a related field; administrative certification is beneficial.

• Extensive knowledge of special education laws, compliance requirements, and instructional best practices.

• Proven ability to engage effectively with students, staff, and parents to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

• Experience in leadership or supervision within special education is highly desirable.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• The district will select the candidate who best aligns with its needs, considering experience and qualifications.

Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesSpecial Education Oversight

• Ensure all Special Education processes comply with state and federal regulations (birth through 12th grade).

• Oversee and review special education documentation, including referrals, evaluations, and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

• Manage the special education referral process, ensuring timely evaluations and placements.

Student Evaluations & Assessments

• Review records for incoming transfer students, facilitate records requests, and determine service eligibility.

• Develop Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) reports and review evaluation results with parents.

• Coordinate evaluations with contracted psychologists as needed.

• Administer and interpret assessments such as DIAL-4, Woodcock-Johnson IV (WJ IV), KTEA, and Teaching Strategies Gold.

Staff Supervision & Training

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to special education personnel across the district.

• Attend and facilitate IEP and MET meetings.

• Collaborate with site administrators to deliver professional development on compliance, instructional strategies, and best practices in Special Education.

Records & Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all state and federal reports related to special education.

• Maintain compliance with documentation and reporting requirements in alignment with district and state policies.

• Train and support staff in the use of e-IEPPRO, the district’s special education management system.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assess the effectiveness of special education programs and identify areas for improvement.

• Support teachers and staff in implementing effective instructional strategies for students with disabilities.

• Oversee budget allocations to ensure appropriate funding for special education programs.

• Administer and oversee gifted testing to identify and support eligible students.

• Assist with recruiting, hiring, and onboarding special education staff.

• Other duties as assigned.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications.

• Performance Pay: Eligible for up to $5,000 in performance pay.

• Benefits:

  • District-paid employee health insurance.

  • Paid sick leave and vacation