Assistant Director of Special Education

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies.

At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population.

As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About the Department of Educatoin :

The Indiana Department of Education provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success.

Our strategic priorities include :

Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student

Elevating and supporting Indiana’s educators

Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support

Salary Statement :

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,;but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Role Overview :

The Office of Special Education has the federally mandated responsibility to provide general supervision of special education programs of Local Education Agencies (LEAs).

We ensure that eligible students are provided a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

The Assistant Director supports this effort by :

• Working with the Director of Special Education to implement the State’s general supervisory responsibilities
• Interpreting and administering federal and state education policies
• Implementing and maintaining procedures to monitor federal compliance and results indicators for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Implementing and maintaining procedures for the Technical Assistance and Professional Development system for IDEA
• Implementing and maintaining procedures and protocols for data collection
• Overseeing LEA annual determinations system
• Clarifying, developing, and submitting responses to the State Performance Plan / Annual Performance Report

Candidates must have a bachelor's or master's degree in Special Education and 5 years of Special Education leadership experience.

A Day in the Life :

The essential functions of this role are :

• Supervise and evaluate Special Education Specialists, Data Specialists, and Technical Assistance Specialists.
• Establish, and maintain operational procedures and protocols for data collection, analysis, and monitoring activities to implement the Department of Education's (USDOE) federal monitoring requirements.
• Draft and update the State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report (APR) for timely submission to the USDOE.
• Coordinate and oversee the activities necessary to address the USDOE’s response to the APR.
• Consult with regional and national technical assistance centers as required by the APR USDOE’s Response.
• Assist Education Specialists in increasing their knowledge and skills concerning monitoring results, driving accountability, and supervising expectations, including interpretive guidance to staff.
• Participate in OSE and IDOE office-facilitated work groups.
• Respond to questions from the field and other state education agencies on issues about providing special education and related services
• Provide technical assistance to local education agencies (LEAs), IDOE staff, and other state agencies.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with state and national professional organizations.
• Represent IDOE / OSE on Boards, Councils, and Task Forces as assigned.
• Provide professional development to the field and other agencies and organizations as required.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What You'll Need for Success :

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment :

• Bachelor's or master's degree in special education or a related field.
• Five years of educational and / or organizational leadership experience, including supervising and evaluating staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of IDEA, Article 7, and FERPA.
• Sensitivity to customer needs and expectations
• Ability to facilitate cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity.
• Demonstrates flexibility and works well under pressure.
• Clearly and effectively interprets oral and written information and expresses self well in presentations.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Defines, coordinates, and delegates work for best outcomes.
• Provides immediate and effective feedback to employees concerning behavior and performance.
• Achieves goals and objectives.
• Is supportive, considerate, fair, and objective toward subordinates.
• Exercises logical thinking and foresees consequences of actions.
• Identifies problems, analyzes facts, researches solutions, and develops responses.
• Creates training and development plans and provides opportunities for staff to clarify strengths and weaknesses.

Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports :

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana :

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees which includes :

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program : Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to : 150 hours of paid new parent leaveUp to 15 hours of paid community service leaveCombined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity :

The State of Indiana is an Equal

Opportunity Employer