Overview Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits. We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030. The purpose of the job is to ensure that students are supported, through the use of evaluation process. The K-12 Director of Evaluation and Eligibility will supervise and oversee the department that determines educational disability eligibility. The Director will oversee the department to ensure that those responsible for initiating, administering, and concluding student-centered compliant initial evaluations and reevaluations to determine if a student is, is not, or remains eligible for special education services and/or related services. Responsibilities Support Executive Director of Special Education in meeting the outcomes aligned to the HCS Strategic plan and the Action Plan for the department Supports the Executive Director of Special Education in the management and of the supervision of School Psychologists, ensuring that all evaluations and recommendations are made in a timely manner and in service of students and families Trains staff and ensures IDEA compliant procedures are followed. Follows state guidelines and follows the most current guidance and standards for eligibility. Maintains an awareness and working knowledge of IDEA 2004 and its current regulations, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and its current regulations, current state disabilities, and evaluation/eligibility procedures. Maintains a working knowledge of current FERPA and HIPAA regulations. Works collaboratively with administration and peers to provide service Adequately understands the RTI process and coordinates assessment pathways that begin with RTI to appropriately identify and meet student needs. . Serve as a connector between the RTI -tier 3 process to identification of learning exceptionalities Provide current training opportunities for practitioners and assist families, administrators, and staff in understanding all educational disabilities Support the Special Education Leadership Team and Executive Director in the practical application of the law and education policy Manages select projects to improve effectiveness of special education policy and procedures; provides feedback and recommendations to the Executive Director of Special Education based on data and patterns of student need within Hamilton County Provide specialized expertise in all matters pertaining to special education eligibility, evaluation, program models and disability classification areas Provide oversight and timely operation of the PALS Assessment center for early learners Provide oversight of eligibility services for homeschool and private education students Maintains confidentiality and adhere to the Teacher Code of Ethics as defined by Tennessee Law Serve on Exceptional Education Leadership Team Must be a problem solver and provide timely responses and solutions that are student centered. Must be willing to work across areas with multiple departments Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid, state-issued driver's license. Knowledge of supports and practices of assessment for PALS center Qualifications Knowledge/Education/Experience: Preferred Master’s degree or higher in Exceptional Education; successful work experience working with Exceptional Education or ENL population Minimum of five (5) years previous experience in school administration or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position. Must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license. Skills/Qualifications: Adaptability to work across K-12 campuses with administrators, parents, and IEP team members. Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to deal effectively with students, educators, parents, and community members. Demonstrate excellent planning, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills. Compensation: Salary is based on a combination of relevant education and experience. Salary Scale