Position Summary:
The Deputy Chief of Specialized Services (DCSS) leads the special education department to ensure that all students with special needs, across all schools, produce breakthrough academic and behavior results. The DCSS ensures the development, implementation, and assessment of all specialized services including special education, academic intervention, counseling, Section 504 plans, ESL and other related services. The DCSS ensures that our network wide systems meet the IEP needs of all special education students in our system. The DCSS is a member of the Central Academic Team, reports directly to the Chief Academic Officer, manages the special education team and provides support to Principals and all Mastery Charter Schools.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Create and drive a vision for the special education department at Mastery including team operations and outputs.
- Drive system-wide structures and processes that best meet the needs and federal/state compliance requirements for supporting students with IEPS.
- Manage the central special education team members; providing guidance, support and professional development.
- Lead the development of multiple external partnerships to serve our students (i.e. related services, legal support, alternative programs, etc.)
- Collaborate with other members of the Central Academic Team to ensure special education initiatives are rolled out effectively, supported by data systems, and aligned to the needs of the students and teachers.
- Manage communication between the special education team, operations team, innovation team, academic team and site based leaders and teachers.
- Work closely with the CEO to monitor and manage all legal issues.
- Monitor campus-based and organization-wide special education data and direct network wide changes based on that data.
- Drive all special education initiatives with the central special education team including school admin and teacher training, specialized program design, alternative program management and special education processes and protocols.
Qualifications:
- Has zest and a sense of humor.
- Results-oriented individual – a flexible thinker willing to do “whatever it takes.”
- Belief in the Mastery Charter School mission and instructional model.
- Detail-oriented and highly organized with strong analytical writing skills.
- A ferocious desire to provide our students with a world class education.
- Strong knowledge of effective teaching methods and intervention strategies.
Education and Experience:
- Masters or Education Specialist degree in Special Education or related filed
- Certified in educational administration, supervision or similar program.
- Strong administrative background that reflects effective leadership, management and communication skills.
- Successful management of a high level, high-performing, diverse team.
- Has experienced a high level of measurable success working with urban youth.
- Is familiar with effective student supports and special education programming.
- Five years of experience in special education teaching and special education school and/or district leadership.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required such as maneuvering in classrooms and office space-reaching file cabinets, filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; Must be able to sit for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse and typing.
