Job Description
Position Type:
Administration/Director
Date Posted:
5/16/2025
Date Available:
07/01/2025
ESSEX COUNTY SCHOOLS OF TECHNOLOGY
BOARD OF EDUCATION
LEROY F. SMITH, JR. PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
60 NELSON PLACE, 1 NORTH - NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND STUDENT SERVICES
DISTRICT WIDE
The Essex County Schools of Technology is seeking a 12-month Director of Special Education and Student Services at Newark Tech, Payne Tech and West Caldwell Tech for the 2025-26 school year.
Position Purpose
- Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Director of Special Education and Student Services is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and compliance of all special education and student support programs across the district. This includes supervision of Special Education Instruction, the Child Study Team, Related Services (OT, PT, Speech), Home Instruction, Guidance, Social Work, Student Assistance, and Nursing Services. The Director also manages district-level responsibilities related to admissions, residency, and student interventions, ensuring that all practices align with current legal mandates and educational standards.
Qualifications: Valid New Jersey School Administrator Certificate (CE, CEAS, Provisional, or Standard)
In-depth knowledge of IDEA, NJ special education law, Section 504, I&RS, and HIB regulations
Proven experience in educational leadership, particularly in special education and student services
Ability to develop, implement, and monitor district-wide initiatives that support diverse student needs
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
Must be a New Jersey resident or attain residency within one year unless exempted by law
Performance Responsibilities : Leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all special education and student services in compliance with federal and state regulations
Supervises and evaluates Child Study Teams, related service providers (OT/PT, Speech), and other personnel supporting student services
Oversees the development and monitoring of IEPs and 504 Plans to ensure the delivery of appropriate services and accommodations
Coordinates and monitors home instruction programs for eligible students
Collaborates with building administrators to implement effective I&RS processes and behavioral support strategies
Provides leadership and guidance to school counselors, social workers, student assistance counselors, and nurses to promote student well-being
Oversees student admission procedures and verifies residency compliance across the district
Develops and delivers professional development related to special education law, instructional practices, and compliance
Analyzes data to inform program development, staffing, and service delivery models
Ensures accurate and timely reporting of data to state and federal agencies
Develops and monitors budgets, including federal and state grants that support special education and student services
Serves as the district liaison to parents, advocates, and outside agencies regarding special education and student support matters
Keeps current with changes in legislation and best practices, ensuring district policies and procedures reflect those updates
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Terms of Employment
This is a full-time day position during 12 months of the year. This position is governed by the collective bargaining agreement by and between the Board of Education and the Essex County Vocational Education Association.
Compensation
2025-2026 contractual rate
The Essex County Vocational and Technical High Schools are public schools supported by County, State and Federal Funds. There are five such programs operated by the Board of Education for the Vocational Schools in the County of Essex. These include four high schools and one adult center. In addition to salary, the Board of Education offers fringe benefits to all employees. These benefits include maintenance of hospitalization insurance including Medical, Dental and Benecard Prescription Plan. The Board also maintains a $4,000 Group Life Insurance Policy for each employee.
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
I S AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Essex County Vocational School District
Job Tags
Full time, Work from home,