JOB TITLE: DIRECTOR, SCHOOL SERVICES OFFICE, PDE

JOB CODE: 24390

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional educational and administrative work directing the School Services Office in the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

The employee in this job directs and develops statewide programs and services that support public school districts, public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, career and technology centers, vocational technical schools, public intermediate units, licensed private schools, and non-public, non-licensed schools. Work involves developing policies and procedures related to emergency school closings, student support services, curriculum deficiencies, background checks, and educational technology. Work includes implementing and revising statewide programs that guide the review and analysis of new, expanded, or planned K-12 educational initiatives and directing projects by setting objectives, assigning staff, assessing results, and supporting administrative efficiency and quality assurance through the use of existing systems and tools. Supervision is exercised over professional and administrative staff. Work is assigned by the Deputy Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education in the form of broad goals, objectives, and special assignments and is reviewed through meetings and reports for program quality and the attainment of goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Develops and revises policies impacting schools including emergency school closings, home education and private tutoring, enrollment of students, teacher background checks, and issues involving the Department of Human Services and child labor laws.

• Directs the development and implementation of various education programs, initiatives, and services.

• Oversees the school employee background check process, including establishing PA Safe Check accounts for administrators, assisting applicants with obtaining FBI clearance documentation, and providing technical support for issues related to the PA Safe Check system.

• Develops and recommends legislative changes and analyzes proposed legislation to determine the impacts on programs and services for public school districts, public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, career and technology centers, vocational technical schools, public intermediate units, licensed private schools, and non-public, non-licensed schools.

• Directs and coordinates the review, evaluation, and analysis of new, expanded, or planned educational programs and initiatives in Pennsylvania.

• Oversees the development, review, approval, and issuance of Basic Education Circulars (BECs) to offer guidance and regulatory oversight for public and private schools, including nursery schools, elementary schools, secondary schools, special education schools, tutoring centers, and educational testing and remedial centers.

• Interprets laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for stakeholders to include the legislature, other state agencies, department staff, school administrative staff, educational groups, professional organizations, parents, and the public.

• Serves as a consultant to legislative staff, the State Board of Private Academic Schools, state agencies, school administrators, and department staff regarding various education programs, services, and processes.

• Participates in meetings, committees, conferences, and work groups to coordinate activities in implementing program and policy objectives.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the structure and organization of public and non-public school education.

• Knowledge of the objectives of public and non-public school education.

• Knowledge of the legislation, regulations, rules, and policies governing public and non-public school programs, services, and processes.

• Knowledge of educational principles, practices, theories, trends, and methods.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of educational administration.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret legislation, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Six years of professional education experience that includes two years in an administrative or supervisory capacity, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of professional education experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity.