Program Specialist - Special Education

About the role

Behind every successful student is a passionate and dedicated team. Together, we will change the odds for underserved students, ensuring that every student is prepared to earn a college degree.

Responsibilities

• Plans programs, provides curricular resources and technical assistance for, and assesses the effectiveness of the program for students with exceptional needs for their assigned schools in the region
• Ensures the use of best practices in the implementation of pre-referral behavioral interventions, positive behavioral interventions as outlined in the IEP, and implementation of behavioral support and intervention plans by collaborating with school psychologists, other specialists, or site staff, including providing professional development as needed
• Provides leadership in the area of curriculum, instruction, and modification/accommodation for students with diverse learning needs
• Participates in professional development and provides training and support to the Special Ed Team to enhance instruction for students with social communication, behavioral, and learning challenges
• Leverages individual and cultural diversity, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of working with ELL students
• Assumes responsibility for appropriate identification, educational programming, and services for special education students
• Evaluates Ed Specialists and Instructional Assistants and provides leadership to principals in the supervision of special education team members
• Identifies resources, develops methods for parental involvement, and encourages participation in part-time training activities for families of children with disabilities
• Manages difficult cases to ensure appropriate special education services, including attending staffing meetings, IEP meetings, and parent conferences
• Applies conflict resolution strategies with parents or other stakeholders to resolve disputes related to a student’s IEP, demonstrating knowledge of current IDEA and Aspire policy and procedures
• Works with the site leader and lead Ed Specialist to identify, coach, and support the Education Specialists
• Aids in the design and facilitation of org-wide and region-wide professional development for staff, including onboarding of Special Education teammates
• Keeps up-to-date on special education research and best practices
• Works closely with the Regional Special Education team and Principals to identify needed resources (i.e., professional development, instructional materials, and consultants)
• Assists in recruiting and screening of special education staff
• Travels across the region to support schools and to conduct team meetings and professional development, as needed
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Aspire Public Schools' mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior
• Supports with NPS or RTC placements

Requirements

• Master's degree: Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field preferred
• Clear CA Education Specialist Credential and CLAD certification required OR CA Related Service Provider Credential/License (School Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc.)
• CPI certification desired
• CA Administrative Services Credential desired
• Bilingual- Spanish- desired
• Proven successful teaching or related service provision in Special Education
• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated leadership, part of which shall have been supervisory (Recommended)
• Minimum 5 years of related experience in special education leadership

Qualifications

• Knowledge of special education laws and regulations
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Experience with data-driven decision making
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities

Skills

• Special Education Leadership
• IEP Coordination
• Consultation
• Curriculum Development
• Behavioral Support
• Professional Development
• Data Analysis
• Conflict Resolution
• Parental Involvement

Benefits

In addition to a competitive base salary that is benchmarked against local districts and charter schools, we offer employees exceptional benefits, including paid time off, 100% core health benefits coverage on select plans, life insurance/long-term disability, participation in a CA state retirement plan, a tuition reimbursement plan, and an adoption assistance program.

Pay

$115,148 - $147,818

Schedule

N/A