Special Education Program Director

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking a Special Education Program Director 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 Special Education Program Director, you play a key leadership role in fostering an educational environment that promotes student achievement, safety, and engagement. Acting as the site instructional leader, this position is responsible for implementing instructional practices, overseeing site operations, and ensuring compliance with educational policies.

The Program Director is responsible for oversight of all site operations and functions, ensures a safe learning environment for all students and staff by following guidelines for addressing/reporting issues and incidents, and acts as a liaison between the site and designated contacts (where applicable) by establishing and maintaining positive, interactive working relationships.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Providing vision and leadership to support student achievement and effective operations by supervising staff, developing, and implementing performance management plans, identifying professional learning needs, and participating in professional learning opportunities.
• Participating in the recruitment and selection process to ensure a faculty/staff with instructional proficiencies for the program population served.
• Analyzing the professional development needs of staff and aligning needs with the Spectrum instructional vision, while also actively recognizing accomplishments and addressing issues to ensure productive site operations.
• Leading, either directly or through subordinates, the induction/training of new staff to ensure a positive onboarding experience and maximizing the success of new employees.
• Monitoring the facility and program to ensure student and staff safety at all times including, but not limited to, ensuring compliance with contract and/or state requirements, staffing ratios, and crisis protocols.
• Performing managerial responsibilities including but not limited to overseeing the day-to-day operation of the school schedule and activities, custodial and maintenance, food services, transportation services, administration, financial/budgetary operations, resource allocation, and district/community relationships.
• Demonstrating fiscal responsibility and maximizing the impact of fiscal resources on instructional priorities in partnership with the direct supervisor.
• Participating in the enrollment process (where applicable) at the campus or site level from referral to last day of attendance, ensuring timely classroom placement upon receiving referral, conducting effective site tours, managing classroom rosters according to student need and state requirements, and participating in the development of plans for transitioning students to the least restrictive environment (where applicable).
• Instructing, monitoring, and evaluating all staff and students in the use of learning materials and resources to ensure fidelity of instruction and student performance/evaluation.
• Observing, evaluating, and reporting staff and student performance and development through the START Checklist or other observation tools.
• Participating in the assurance and accreditation processes to ensure that the site passes or meets the standards established by Spectrum and/or the accrediting body.
• Preparing and presenting required reports on student development, achievement, and activities to illustrate student progress and program effectiveness.
• Compiling, analyzing, and using assessment data to measure student growth and inform instruction and/or academic intervention for each student and site.
• Maintaining accurate and complete records of students' progress and development as required by state laws, Spectrum, and district policies (where applicable).
• Ensuring the timely completion and distribution of grading, report cards, IEP progress reports, and transcripts for all students.
• Ensuring compliance with mandatory requirements including but not limited to IEP process, state compliance, state testing, and Spectrum policies.
• Promoting programs and classroom practices that support positive student behavior by embracing Spectrum policies and applying appropriate support or disciplinary measures when necessary.
• Providing support, encouragement, and counseling to students with academic problems.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Must hold currently or be in the process of obtaining one or more of the following:
  • Master’s degree or higher in education, special education, psychology, counseling, applied behavior analysis, social work, rehabilitation or a closely related field of study issued by an accredited postsecondary institution.
  • Educational leadership or school administrator credential granted by an accredited postsecondary educational institution and minimum 2yr's prior experience working with pupils with disabilities.
  • Pupil personnel services (PPS) credential with authorization for school counseling or psychology.
  • Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
  • Licensure in psychology regulated by the Board of Psychology.
  • Credential authorizing special education instruction and minimum 2yr's special education teaching experience prior to becoming an administrator.
  • Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), educational psychologist (LEP), or professional clinical counselor (LPCC) issued by the board of behavioral sciences.

‖ Qualifications Preferred:

• Minimum 2yr's prior experience working in an educational leadership or school administrator role.
• Minimum 2yr's prior teaching experience in a special education program setting.
• Minimum 2yr's prior experience working with pupils with disabilities.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in the development, assessment, and management of curriculum, content areas and instruction.
• Knowledge of applicable state licensure, certification, accreditation laws and regulations.
• Highly skilled in working with individuals with severe learning, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and staffing requirements.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Proficient in building relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or business partners.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
• Skilled leader who exhibits the characteristics of servant leadership, looking to the needs of the team and seeking to help solve problems and promote personal development.

Spectrum Center Schools 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 Education Leadership or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• All State Req Credentials
• Special Ed Certification
• Teaching Certification

• Education Administrator
• Counselor - LPCC
• Marriage and Family Ther
• Education Psychologist
• Social Worker - LCSW
• Pupil Personnel Services

Skills

• Special Education
• Leadership
• Community Relations
• Recruitment and Retention
• Admission and Enrollment
• Counseling & Guidance
• Social School Work
• Parent Counseling & Train
• Multiple Disabilities
• Autism
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
• Crisis Intervention
• Teacher Mentoring/Training
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Classroom Management
• Curriculum Development
• Project Management
• Office/Administrative

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)