Special Education Specialist (Education Specialist II)

Join the Nebraska Department of Education as a Special Education Specialist and help strengthen Special Education services and programs across the state. In this role, you’ll provide training, consultation, and technical assistance related to Special Education programs, including compliance, data use, and the Improving Learning for Children with Disabilities (ILCD) process. You’ll work closely with school districts, ESUs, service providers, and families to support effective programs and continuous improvement efforts.

About the role

This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE. The role requires approximately 70% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 30% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools, educational service units, and other service agencies. There is also approximately twenty days of overnight travel per year.

Responsibilities

• Provides consultative services and technical assistance to school districts, ESUs, service providers, and families related to Special Education laws, regulations, policies, evidence-based practices, and other statewide initiatives.
• Supports statewide monitoring, continuous improvement, and accountability activities through compliance monitoring, data analysis, implementation of the Improving Learning for Children with Disabilities (ILCD) process, Results Driven Accountability (RDA), and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
• Assists with preparation and submission of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report.
• Supports training regarding special education, evidence-based practices and instructional strategies, and data usage, and assists with development and delivery of training.
• Participates in cross functional special education projects and initiatives.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in the field of education or related subject area.
• One year of successful preK-12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country.
• Eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 79-807. (A Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 92 NAC 21 must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment and maintained while in the position.)

Substitution: Bachelor’s degree in education or equivalent Master of Arts in Teaching per 92 NAC 21, three years of successful preK-12 teaching or school administration experience, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 79-807.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education.
• Special Education endorsement.
• At least three years of successful preK-12 experience in special education.

This position is federally funded and may be governed by the Federal Hatch Act. Review the Act here.

Pay

Pay Grade 7: $64,436.73/year. This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate.

Benefits

• 79% employer-paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision, long and short-term disability).
• Flex spending and health savings accounts.
• Employee discount program.
• Generous vacation and sick leave earnings (starting at 12 days each per year).
• 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans.
• Thirteen paid holidays per year.

For more information on benefits, visit State of Nebraska Benefits.