Special Services Director

The Special Services Director provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for the district’s special education and related services programs in compliance with federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Washington Administrative Code (WAC), and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) requirements.

The director works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, related service providers, families, and community agencies to ensure high-quality educational programming and equitable access for students receiving special education services from preschool through age 22. The director is responsible for program development, staff supervision, compliance monitoring, fiscal management, and supporting positive student outcomes across all special services programs.

The ideal candidate is an innovative and organized leader who values relationships, communicates effectively, and balances program development with strong compliance and accountability systems. In the Ephrata School District, we believe that students are extraordinary. Education is about KIDS and their LEARNING, and we are committed to ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and has a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

• Provide leadership and direction for all district special education and related services programs.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Washington State regulations, district policies, and procedural safeguards.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and continuously improve district-wide special education procedures and practices.
• Lead efforts to improve student achievement, inclusionary practices, behavioral supports, transition services, and post‑secondary outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Coordinate and oversee special education evaluations, eligibility determinations, IEP implementation, and service delivery.
• Support Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), inclusive educational practices, and positive behavioral intervention systems.
• Collaborate with building administrators to ensure special education programming aligns with school improvement goals and district priorities.
• Support coordination of alternative placements and services when appropriate for student needs.

• Supervise and evaluate certificated and classified special services staff, including special education teachers, para educators, psychologists, related service providers, behavior specialists, and office personnel as assigned.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, onboarding, mentoring, and retention of qualified staff.
• Coordinate staffing assignments and program support based on student and program needs.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and professional development opportunities to support staff growth, compliance, and instructional effectiveness.
• Facilitate regular special services staff meetings and training opportunities.
• Support staff in implementing IEPs, behavior intervention plans, accommodations, and evidence‑based instructional practices.

• Monitor district compliance related to evaluations, timelines, IEP implementation, discipline procedures, Medicaid billing, safety net applications, and state and federal reporting requirements.
• Oversee corrective action plans and district responses related to complaints, audits, due process hearings, and monitoring activities.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of student records and confidential information in compliance with state and federal laws.
• Collaborate with administrators and staff regarding manifestation determinations, disciplinary actions, placement decisions, and parent concerns.
• Coordinate and supervise the district’s response to special education hearings, complaints, and legal procedures.
• Serve as the district liaison to OSPI, ESDs, and the Office for Civil Rights regarding special education and Section 504 matters.

• Develop and manage the special services budget in collaboration with district leadership and the business office.
• Monitor expenditures,…