Program Specialist
POSITION: PROGRAM SPECIALIST
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Director II, organize and direct the operations and activities involved in the development and implementation of assigned special education programs and services; provide consultation, technical assistance and training to faculty, staff, school districts, families and the public concerning assigned special education programs and related services, standards, requirements and procedures; coordinate communications, information, curricular resources, staff development activities and personnel to meet student needs and enhance educational effectiveness of assigned special education programs and services.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1. Organize and direct the operations and activities involved in the development and implementation of assigned special education programs and services; coordinate instructional activities to enhance student learning and achievement in designated areas; assist in assuring related activities comply with established standards, requirements, laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
2. Provide consultation, technical assistance and training to faculty, staff, families and the public concerning assigned special education programs and services; respond to inquiries, resolve issues and conflicts and provide detailed and technical information concerning related standards, guidelines, requirements, student needs, laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
3. Coordinate communications, information, curricular resources, staff development activities and personnel to meet student needs and enhance educational effectiveness of assigned special education programs and services; assure proper and timely resolution of related student, family and staff issues and conflicts.
4. Provide a variety of services to assure appropriate delivery of designated educational services to identified students with special needs; observe students, review information, identify needs and consult with staff and families concerning progress; visit school sites and classrooms to observe activities, provide technical support and assure special education needs are being met.
5. Assist faculty, administrators and staff in carrying out curriculum standards according to student needs
6. Monitor and assess assigned special education services and programs for educational effectiveness and operational efficiency.
7. Serve as a liaison and coordinate special education programs, services, communications and student information between administrators, personnel, and families; collaborate with staff, faculty and administrators in the development and implementation of program services, goals and objectives.
8. Assist with the development and implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) and various other educational and treatment plans, programs, goals and objectives for designated special education students as required; facilitate and attend IEP meetings as directed.
10. Assist in assuring adequate personnel and resources for assigned special education programs; review staffing levels and service delivery models and recommend modifications as appropriate.
11. Train and evaluate the performance of designated personnel as assigned to the position; participate in the interviewing and selection of employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions as directed.
12. Assist in conferring and negotiate with parents, personnel, administrators and others in the resolution of due process issues.
13. Assist in the development and preparation of various budgets for assigned special education programs and services; assist in coordinating the purchasing of program equipment and materials as needed.
14. Compile information, prepare, and maintain a variety of records, reports and files related to special education programs, students, mileage, financial activity and assigned duties.
15. Participate in the composition, development and preparation of special education documents such as forms, newsletters, handbooks and procedural manuals as directed.
17. Attend and participate in a variety of meetings, conferences, committees, boards, councils and task forces as assigned; present information concerning assigned special education programs; attend and participate in in-services as required; conduct training session for families and community members concerning special educations students and related programs, procedures and services.
OTHER DUTIES:
Drive a vehicle to conduct work, using own transportation
Travel within Tuolumne County, statewide and/or nationwide
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Organization and direction of the operations and activities involved in the development and implementation of assigned special education programs and services.
- Educational programs, services, standards, requirements and procedures related to special education.
- Curriculum standards, interpretation and application in assigned special education programs.
- Instructional techniques and strategies related to assigned programs.
- Local, State and federal standards and requirements governing assigned special education programs.
- Problems and concerns of students with special needs.
- Practices and procedures involved in the development and implementation of staff development activities.
- Policies and objectives of assigned programs and activities.
- Oral and written communication skills.
- Basic budget preparation and control.
- Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
- Operation of a computer and assigned software.
- Public speaking techniques.
ABILITY TO:
- Organize and direct the operations and activities involved in the development and implementation of assigned special education programs and services.
- Provide consultation, technical assistance and training to faculty, staff, families and the public concerning assigned special education programs and related services, standards, requirements and procedures.
- Coordinate communications, information, curricular resources, staff development activities and personnel to meet student needs and enhance educational effectiveness of assigned special education
programs and services. - Develop, implement and conduct training and staff development activities.
- Participate in a variety of activities to enhance faculty, staff and parent understanding of educational practices, instructional material requirements, curriculum development and instructional strategies.
- Assure proper and timely resolution of related student, family and staff issues and conflicts.
- Prepare and deliver oral presentations.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
- Operate a computer and assigned office equipment.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
- Meet schedules and time lines.
- Work independently with little direction.
TIME PERIOD: Position is full-time
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid California teaching credential related to special education, clinical services credential or school psychologist credential
- Valid California Administrative Services Credential
- Valid California driver's license
- Five years’ experience working with students with special needs
- Early Childhood experience desirable