Director of Student Services Job Lexington area,Virginia USA,Management

Director of Student Services

The Director of Student Services plans, coordinates, delivers, and supervises student support services and special education programs throughout the school division. This position oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs and related services for students with disabilities, Section 504 compliance, psychological services, mental health, and social work. The Director ensures that all division special education and student services operations comply with federal, state, and local policies while fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Administration & Special Education Leadership

Plan, budget, organize, and implement comprehensive special education programs, curriculum, and Extended School Year (ESY) services for students with special needs.
Ensure full division compliance with local, state, and federal special education regulations, including IDEA, VDOE policies, and Section 504/ADA requirements.
Consult with building principals, teachers, and staff on special education legal and regulatory issues, staffing, instructional practices, discipline, and zone compliance.
Coordinate, schedule, and lead eligibility meetings, manifestation determination hearings, and IEP meetings as appropriate.
Observe challenging students and classrooms to recommend instructional strategies and monitor best practices.
Manage procedures for archiving and maintaining student records, interpreting FERPA guidelines, and responding to legal requests/subpoenas for student records.
Oversee state testing participation (SOLs and ASOLs) for students receiving special education services.

Pupil Personnel & Student Services Oversight

Direct and coordinate pupil personnel services, including school psychological services, social work services, and mental health services.
Supervise related service providers, including Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Hearing Specialists.
Oversee federal/state grant administration (e.g., Title IV, VTSS).
Participate in creating, editing, and revising the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.

Staff Management & Leadership

Assist with recruiting, screening, selecting, and assigning special education teachers, therapists, and support personnel.
Supervise and evaluate department personnel, assign duties, conduct staff meetings, and recommend promotions, disciplinary actions, or terminations.
Provide ongoing professional development and technical assistance to administrative and instructional staff regarding special education compliance, Section 504, and student support services.

Financial & Interagency Management

Develop, monitor, and administer departmental operating budgets and federal special education grant funds in compliance with regulations.
Represent the division on the Children's Services Act (CSA) Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT) and oversee the CSA budget for special education service needs.
Meet with parents, advocates, private school providers, and case managers; prepare contracts for private provider services and facilitate mediation when needed.
Maintain active partnerships with local social services, mental health agencies, court services, and law enforcement.
Prepare and present regular reports, data, and policy updates to the Superintendent and the School Board.

Core Competencies

Adaptability & Accountability
Analytical Skills
Attendance & Punctuality
Business Ethics
Communication
Compliance
Confidentiality
Culture
Customer Service
Independence of Action
Judgment
Organization
Safety
Teamwork / Morale
Training

Other Duties

Attends School Board meetings, work sessions, and departmental meetings.
Completes all division-wide annual education and training assignments.
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