Director of Special Education at Ombudsman Educational Services

Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Director of Special Education to join our award-winning team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, outcome-driven environment, seek a career with genuine purpose, and possess a problem-solving mindset, a sense of humor, and a stellar work ethic — We Should Talk!

As the Director of Special Education, you will monitor the development and implementation of student Individual Education Plans (IEP) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) in adherence to company and all State and Federal laws and procedures.  The Director of Special Education is the assigned administrator ensuring Special Education Case Managers are consistently in compliance with all special education policies and procedures and maintains overall quality of IEP’s to satisfactory meet or exceed state and federal laws.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Assuring adherence to company, school, state and federal regulations and procedures by closely monitoring quality and effectiveness in the development and implementation of student Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

• Establishing and maintaining effective public relations with parents, care providers and district personnel; projecting a positive company image.

• Auditing Special Education Case Managers to ensure quality assurance of the overall IEP process, special education policies and procedures and compliance checklists for state monitoring.

• Attending IEP meetings and reviewing IEP goals as needed to ensure adherence to Ombudsman practices as well as managing completion of any post-IEP activities including but not limited to: any revisions, appropriate level of service delivery, signatures, etc.

• Assisting with the modification of curriculum and differentiated instruction for students as well as staff using a variety of instructional strategies and resources to respond to students’ diverse needs and interests, including prescribed educational software and intervention curriculum.

• Meeting with teachers to help interpret and produce special education documentation requirements for student files including maintaining a system for monitoring file access and confidentiality, and maintaining appropriate, confidential records and timely reports.

• Coordinating with school Special Education Case Manager to ensure the IEPs and 504s of all the incoming students are being consistently reviewed and assessed, and ensuring the review of intake assessments for incoming students are being incorporated.

• Facilitating the evaluation and/or reevaluation process and providing information to Special Education Case Managers.

• Providing annual training to all staff regarding Special Education Policies and Procedures. training Special Education Case Managers on IEP development, SPED database use, transition planning, and making date-based decisions for special education students.

• Keeping up to date with research-based practices and developments in subject area, resources, and professional development.

• Responding constructively to formal and informal feedback.

• Participating in the assurance and accreditation processes to ensure that the site passes or meets performance plans.

• Performing other duties and projects as assigned.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Master's degree or higher in education, special education or a closely related field of study.
• Meet all state and district requirements for appropriate licensing and/or credentials.
• Active certification and/or licensure in educational leadership, school administration, or related credential.
• Active certification and/or licensure in special education.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance particularly for at-risk students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Prior experience working in an educational leadership or school administrator position highly preferred.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in the development, assessment, and management of curriculum, content areas and instruction.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in working with students with individual education plans (IEP's).
• Prior experience and highly skilled in providing professional development and/or coaching to teachers and education support staff.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail and data driven work style.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Ombudsman Educational Services is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!

Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment!  Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!

‖ Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance 
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off 
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

^{Copyright © 2024 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company  *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.} 

Education

• Masters or better in Special Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• All State Req Credentials
• Education Administrator
• Special Ed Certification
• Driver Licenses

Skills

• Leadership
• Special Education
• Multiple Disabilities
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Teacher Mentoring/Training
• Curriculum Development
• Personalized Instruction
• Classroom Management
• Project Management
• Interpersonal Skills
• Office/Administrative

Behaviors

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

Motivations

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)