Director of Student Support Services

Job Title: Director of Student Support Services

District: Socorro Consolidated Schools

Reports To: Superintendent

Job Summary

The Director of Student Support Services is a district leader responsible for the strategic oversight and administration of special education, gifted services, and student support programs. This role ensures that all students with disabilities receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) through evidence-based practices and rigorous compliance with state and federal regulations. The Director works collaboratively with school leaders, teachers, and families to enhance student outcomes by fostering inclusive environments and implementing data-driven instructional supports.

Essential Functions

DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP (IDEA-B)

• Ensures district-wide compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B) and New Mexico Special Education regulations.
• Oversees the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), attending high-need meetings to provide technical expertise.
• Manages state and federal special education grants, including the application, budgeting, and reporting processes.
• Directs the Child Find process to ensure the timely identification, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities.
• Coordinates the delivery of specialized services and supervises the staff who provide ancillary services, including but not limited to  speech/language, occupational therapy, and all other specialized  services as required for students with disabilities.
• Monitors LRE and FAPE implementation across all school sites to ensure students have access to the continuum of services.
• Oversees NOVA coding and data reporting to ensure accurate special education enrollment and funding.
• Oversees Medicaid billing, including Frontline, SSG and all other required billing related programs.

STUDENT SUPPORT SYSTEMS & PROGRAM OVERSIGHT

• Ensuring early intervention services are effectively integrated and provided to students in-district and non-district programs.
• Supervises school health services, providing direct oversight to school nurses and nurse assistants.

• Supports the implementation of gifted programs and supervises the Gifted Teacher(s).
• Collaborates with principals and campus leaders to facilitate inclusive instructional models, such as co-teaching and self-contained avenues.
• Coaches special education teachers in the use of data to drive instruction and monitor student progress.
• Provides professional development to staff regarding current trends in special education, Child Find, IDEA  requirements, and testing accommodations.
• Coordinates, writes and maintains all Section 504 plans.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Education, Special Education, or a related field.
• Valid New Mexico Administration License (or eligibility to obtain).
• Comprehensive knowledge of IDEA, LRE, FAPE, and New Mexico special education regulations.
• Previous experience working directly with Special Education Students.
• Administrator Experience.
• Strong understanding of the SAT/MLSS process and diagnostic testing.
• Experience with NOVA and other  state reporting systems.
• Strong understanding of the NM TEAM.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education Administration.
• Five (5) years of administrative experience.
• Previous experience as a Special Education Director.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in data analysis to inform district-wide special education programming.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with parents, staff, and state agencies.
• Strong organizational skills to manage state grants, contracted services, compliance records and corrective actions.
• Ability to provide technical assistance and constructive feedback to school-based administrators.
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage complex timelines related to IEPs and state audits.
• Preferred experience with Synergy Special Programs

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Employee's work:

Requirements While Performing Job:

Requirements for pushing, lifting, pulling, or carrying obstacles of weight

Must be capable of working under unusual conditions such as:

Vision Demand and Capabilities/Hearing Demands and Capabilities:

This position will be paid according to the Administration Salary Schedule: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Teux3o34kuMT4Yh7avypO6NrWtrzP7C8/view?usp=sharing

PRIMARY JOB LOCATION:

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT (LENGTH OF CONTRACT):
Year Round Contract  

EVALUATION PERFORMED BY:
Superintendent

Socorro Consolidated Schools provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.