Job Description

NECESSARY MATERIALS FOR APPLICATION:

-Letter of Introduction
-Resume (Full Work History)
-Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) current (dated within the last 3 years), professional letters (one must be from a current or former direct supervisor)
-Copy of Transcripts: Unofficial copies of all college/university transcripts
-Credential Copy: Credential Copy (Proof of valid, current, and appropriate California teaching credential as a PDF print out from CTC (copy should reflect dates of issuance and expiration)
-English Learner Authorization (If not embedded in credential, provide a copy of CLAD, CTEL or equivalent) if applicable

Please note: All required documents must be submitted at the time of application. Incomplete applications will not be accepted or reviewed.

Special Education Program Specialist

Reports To: Senior Director of Special Education (or designee)

FLSA Status: Exempt

School Classification Certificated

Pay Schedule: Range 16 ($135,164-$161,394)

Work Schedule: 215 days/12 months

Location: Onsite and Remote Office

Under the direction of the senior director of special education or designee, the program specialist supports the operations of the special education department and the general education departments within areas related to special education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

Overarching Duties and Abilities for All Sage Oak Program Specialists:

Primary Focus

1. Supports the director and assistant director in executing the department's shared vision
2. Considers school-wide needs and balances those with the needs of the department
3. Stays current on educational laws and trends that pertain to the department
4. Supports the director and assistant director as the legal expert for the department/program as needed

Budget

1. Supports the tracking, monitoring, and maintenance of specific budget items as assigned

Staff Performance and Professional Development

1. Conducts evaluations for department staff as assigned and oversees and assists with evaluative process for teaching staff and related services providers as assigned
2. Provides support, direction and coaching to department staff as assigned
3. Facilitates the corrective action process for all assigned department staff, as needed, by following the schools' corrective action process
4. Collaborates with supervisor to set individual professional goals/actions that are in alignment with schoolwide goals. Develops a plan to execute and achieve those goals
5. Collaborates with other departments to ensure the training needs of all staff are supported; supports the director and assistant director in the development and delivery of meeting and training topics; constructively and concisely responds to staff questions

School and/or Department Development

1. Develops innovations that will support the schools’ growth and needs and promote sustainability and longevity within the department
2. Determines department needs and proactively develops solutions using creative problem solving and a high level of customer service to the larger community, staff and students
3. Supports director and assistant director with policies, procedures and department manuals to ensure alignment with school goals and current laws
4. Supports the director and assistant director with the hiring of quality department staff and works collaboratively with human resources to follow school policy and procedure

Educational Partner Engagement

1. Develops a strong presence, collaborative relationship, and engaged connectivity with staff and families, and the larger community through both in-person and virtual means
2. Attends meetings and conferences as needed
3. Attends IEP Meetings as assigned

Special Education Department Duties:

1. Supports, trains, and delegates work to education specialists and related services providers.
2. Trains and supports general education teachers in the area of special education
3. Supports staff to prepare for complex IEP meetings that deal with eligibility, change of placement, dismissals, interim placements, additional assessments, and re-evaluations as necessary.
4. Plans programs, coordinates curricular resources, and assists in evaluating the effectiveness of programs for individuals with exceptional needs
5. Provides coordination, consultation, and program development
6. Coordinates, assists and serves as a member, or as a designee for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings
7. Responsible for monitoring curriculum, materials, and methodology in his/her area(s) of expertise
8. Serves as a resource in the identification, selection, and use of instructional materials
9. Attends meetings, conferences, and professional development trainings
10. Conducts research to support or update current school policies and develop new policies
11. Supports the partnering with a comprehensive list of community providers in order to provide services to students in all areas of need and in all geographic areas the school serves
12. Develops processes, protocols, procedures and methods for tracking student services, paperwork, and timelines to ensure compliance with education and special education laws
13. Attends and provides consultation during Student Success Team (SST) and 504 meetings as requested by the education services coordinator
14. Case manages a group of students
15. Services students during normal business hours unless prior approval has been extended by supervisor
16. Ability to service students in-home, if necessary

Oversight Responsibilities:

1. Supports in the oversight of the following departmental staff, including but not limited to:
1. Special Education Teachers
2. School Psychologist
3. Speech and Language Pathologists
4. Speech and Language Pathology Assistant
5. Behavior Specialist
6. School Social Worker
7. Adapted Physical Education Teachers
8. Paraprofessionals

Other Duties:

1. Responds to non-urgent communication within 24 school hours and urgent communication within two school hours
2. Resolves escalated employee, parent, and student issues in alignment with core values and ensuring compliance with the school’s Uniform Complaint Policy; the school’s Uniform Technology Policy; and the provisions of California Penal Code Section 11166 (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act)
3. Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required

Education & Experience:

1. Administration and/or supervision experience desired
2. Three years successful experience as a special education teacher or related services provider desired
3. A valid, current, Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe level 2 California state teaching credential,speech-language pathology services credential or pupil personnel services credential required
4. A relevant Master’s degree related to the position desired
5. A valid, current, and appropriate California state Administrative Services Credential or enrolled in an Administrative Services Credential Program

Other Qualifications:

1. State and federal fingerprint clearance (LiveScan) to work with students (Ed. Code 44237). No prospective employee can report to work without this clearance being received and the Human Resources Manager notifying the immediate supervisor of this clearance.
2. Proof of a clear TB Tine test or signed Certificate of Completion dated within the last 60 days (Ed. Code 49406) upon employment and thereafter updated every four years
3. Hold and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance, and full time use of a dependable automobile that is insured pursuant to California regulations.

Knowledge:

1. Identification procedure and special education assessment
2. Development of an instructional program to meet identified needs
3. Systematic method of utilizing referrals of pupils from teachers, parents, agencies and appropriate persons
4. Interpret assessments of developmental status and education need of students
5. Maintains knowledge of current laws and regulations pertaining to special education and individuals with disabilities
6. Computer Literacy: General knowledge of database software, how to use the internet to find information and complete tasks, email usage, order processing systems, spreadsheet software, and word processing software

Skills:

1. Well developed, clear communication and interpersonal skills that maintain a respectful, professional and courteous manner
2. Conflict resolution skills
3. Strong organizational skills

Abilities:

1. Embraces Sage Oak’s core values
2. Maintains integrity at all times
3. Works independently with little direction
4. Maintains developed, clear communication and interpersonal skills that maintain a respectful, professional, and courteous manner
5. Maintains flexible and adaptable mindset
6. Demonstrates sensitivity to individual differences and cultural backgrounds
7. Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information
8. Follows established procedures and meets all established deadlines
9. Exercise initiative
10. Serve the staff, student and parent's needs to the best of his/her ability without allowing his/her own convenience to interfere
11. Proactive
1. understands the needs of the school and takes steps toward meeting those needs with little support and guidance
2. prevents problems by planning ahead and anticipating outcomes

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Hear and speak to exchange information
2. Dexterity of hands and fingers
3. See to read a variety of materials
4. Bend at the waist, kneel or crouch
5. Sit or stand for extended periods of time
6. Lifting objects up to 50 pounds with or without assistance

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Office environment, regularly operating a computer and other office equipment
2. Noise level is generally moderate
3. Meetings conducted in public and office settings
4. Indoor and outdoor in varying temperatures
5. Employee must have available transportation and be able to drive up to 200 miles in a day"
6. Potential physical hazards involved in intervening in altercations according to approved policies and procedures as trained

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

Employer is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, and promotion of individuals in all job classifications will be conducted without regard to actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and hairstyle, including but not limited to braids, locks, and twists), color, creed, actual or perceived gender (including gender identity and gender expression), religion (all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), marital status, registered domestic partner status, status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking, age (40 and over), ethnicity, national origin or ancestry (including language use restrictions), citizenship, physical, intellectual or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), reproductive health decision-making, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer, and genetic characteristics), family or medical leave status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or a related medical condition), genetic information, sexual orientation, political affiliation, military and veteran status, use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. Employer’s hiring and employment practices may exclude a candidate from consideration where bona fide occupational qualifications exist.