St. Johnsbury School District is seeking an Assistant to the Director of Student Support Services to add to the school team for next school year. The St. Johnsbury School District (STJSD) serves more than 1,000 students, Pre-K through 8th grade and tuition our high school students to several area public and independent high schools. St. Johnsbury School District has approximately 550 students in Prek to Grade 8 and approximately 200 full-time employees all in one school. We have an excellent outdoor educational space, new playgrounds and a dedicated team with an emphasis on employee wellness. We are located 4 minutes from I-91 at Exit 21.

The Assistant Director of Student Services supports the administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of special education programs and services in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This role assists with instructional leadership, compliance monitoring, staff supervision, program evaluation, and collaborative problem-solving to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Program Administration and Compliance

• Assist in the oversight of special education programs to ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, Vermont State Board of Education Rules, and district policies.
• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Participate in dispute resolution processes, including mediation, due process preparation, and corrective action planning, as directed.
• Monitor timelines, documentation, and reporting requirements related to special education.

Instructional Leadership and Student Services

• Collaborate with building administrators, educators, and related service providers to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
• Support inclusive practices and evidence-based interventions across educational settings.
• Assist with problem-solving around complex student needs, placements, and service delivery models.
• Promote culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.

Supervision and Professional Development

• Assist with supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of special education staff and service providers, as assigned.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of special education personnel.
• Help plan and deliver professional learning related to special education law, instruction, behavior, and inclusive practices.

Collaboration and Communication

• Serve as a resource to families, staff, and administrators regarding special education processes and services.
• Participate in meetings with parents/guardians, community agencies, and external partners.
• Collaborate with general education, student services, and administrative teams to ensure coordinated service delivery.

Data, Budget, and Operations Support

• Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting related to student outcomes, compliance, and program effectiveness.
• Support budget development and monitoring for special education services and placements.
• Assist with coordination of contracted services, out-of-district placements, and transportation as needed.

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or Superintendent.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Vermont licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Special Education Administrator, Special Educator, or equivalent endorsement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, compliance, and best practices.
• Experience working collaboratively with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Administrative or supervisory experience in special education.
• Experience with program evaluation, data analysis, and systems-level improvement.
• Knowledge of Vermont-specific special education rules and procedures.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet regulatory deadlines.
• Supervise staff.
• Demonstrated leadership, discretion, and sound professional judgment.
• Proficiency with student information systems and data management tools.

Mental Requirements

• Ability to exercise independent judgment, discretion, and ethical decision-making in complex and high-stakes situations.
• Capacity to analyze, interpret, and apply federal and state laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and financial data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing educational, fiscal, and political environments.
• Ability to think strategically and systemically, anticipating long-term impacts of decisions on students, staff, finances, and the community.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to diverse audiences including boards, staff, families, and the public.
• Ability to maintain focus and composure under pressure, including during crises, public scrutiny, and conflict situations.
• Ability to problem-solve collaboratively, negotiate, and facilitate consensus among individuals and groups with differing perspectives.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to demonstrate emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience when addressing challenging personnel, student, or community issues.

General Health and Wellness 

Ability to maintain overall physical and mental well-being sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position on a sustained basis.  Ability to manage work-related stress associated with high levels of responsibility, decision-making, and public accountability. Ability to sustain energy, focus, and resilience during extended work hours, including evenings.  Ability to maintain emotional well-being and professional composure when addressing complex, sensitive, or contentious issues.  Ability to engage in healthy work practices, including appropriate self-care, time management, and work-life balance strategies. Commitment to fostering and modeling a culture of wellness, safety, and respect for staff and students across the district.

Salary is based on years of experience and educational level. Licensed employees get vested in the State Teacher's Pension after 5 years of service.  This position is year round working 260 days. Paid time off includes 15 sick days, 4 emergency days, 5 personal days, 5 bereavement days and vacation days. BCBS of Vermont is the health insurance. The employer pays the first $1900 for single coverage or $4000 for multi-person plan of the out of pocket costs plus 100% of prescription costs. Employer pays for single dental coverage, employee's life insurance and employee's long term disability insurance.  We have an amazing Employee Wellness program. We also have half-days during inservice of employee wellness with many choices to participate. We have an InvestEAP program, PATH, mental health resources, employee connect, travel connect, Lincoln Wellnesspath, Lifekeys, life insurance and long-term disability insurance all employer paid benefits.