Special Education Specialist

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

DEPARTMENT: School Improvement

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months (230 days)

SALARY: Based on Bulloch County Schools salary/supplement schedule

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO:  Executive Director of Special Education Services

JOB CODE:  475

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Special Education Program Specialist is responsible for the following areas: Individualized Education Plans (to include Preschool, Transition, Manifestation Determination, Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Planning, etc.), compliance in accordance with GA SPED Rules and Regulations, Section 504 Protocols, and general support to the central office special education staff and the schools.

The Special Education Program Specialist is specifically responsible for assisting colleagues and staff in understanding the IEP components with the ability to write legally defensible IEPs and serving as liaison between the Special Education Department and the schools.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and meets certification requirements as established by Bulloch County Schools. 

• Must be eligible for a clearance certificate AND be eligible for one of the following teaching certificates: standard renewable, induction or non-renewable, except in areas where the district has waived certification.

• At least five years of experience in the area of Special Education.

• Possesses proven leadership ability at the school or district level.

• Experience working with a diverse group of people.

• Embodies the core values of the district; relational, purposeful, reflective, resourceful, courageous and accountable.

• Must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential function of the position. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations will be provided to afford persons with disabilities an opportunity to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Must be able to provide a criminal background check with results that adhere to Bulloch County Board of Education Policy GAK(1).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possesses extensive knowledge of special education strategies, teaching methods/models, behavior intervention and resources, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act/GA SPED Rules and Regulations. 
• Master’s degree in Special Education or Leadership.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervises assigned staff and monitors the progress of identified work tasks based on alignment with Special Education Guidance and student IEPs.
• Ensures all programs are conducted in compliance with local, state and federal rules and regulations.
• Coaches and builds capacity among special education teachers and staff.
• Uses data to support input on decision making. 
• Communicates effectively and appropriately with students, parents/guardians, district/school personnel and other stakeholders to foster positive interactions and promote a positive climate.
• Plans and carries out professional development/technical assistance to address individual and group needs. 
• Communicates an understanding of and follow up on the implementation of administrative directives, policies, rules, regulations, and contractual agreements as they affect all aspects of SPED program operations. 
• Keeps supervisor informed regarding emerging issues.
• Collects and monitors data related to required timelines (IEP, evaluations, eligibilities, etc.).
• Serves as LEA for IEP/Placement and other meetings as requested by school Administrator or Executive Director of Special Education. 
• Reviews and monitors development of legally defensible IEPs and the IEP meeting process.
• Attends Special Education Department meetings at the Special Education Department and assigned schools as requested.
• Performs specialized duties based on experience, education and program needs.
• Performs other duties as requested.

PERFORMANCE FACTORS:  

• Light Work:  Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of force greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated light work.
• Interaction with Others:  Ability to maintain, on a regular and consistent basis, relationships that are characterized by high expectations, teamwork, and collaboration.  Ability to be flexible relative to daily routines.  Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the differences among diverse populations.
• Concentration:  Ability to maintain workflow and thought processes in the presence of frequent distractions.  Ability to ignore irrelevant sights or sounds and intrusive thoughts or stimuli.  Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with only few or no errors.
• Stressful Circumstances:  Ability to produce quality work when short or unexpected deadlines are presented.  Ability to adjust work processes without incident when new and unexpected directions are given relative to a project that may be in process.  Ability to maintain composure and not compound a situation when interacting with persons who may be angry, demanding or otherwise less than polite.
• Independent Judgment:  Ability to complete work tasks without being given precise directions relative to work steps or the final project.
• Organizational Skills:  Ability to establish priorities, simultaneously manage multiple tasks; and deliver a quality work product by a designated deadline.
• Public Contact:  Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with superiors, colleagues, parents, and other individuals within and external to the school system.  Ability to demonstrate professionalism while interacting with others and to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Attendance and Dependability:  Ability to report to work at the scheduled time and to seldom be absent from work.  Demonstrate prompt and regular work attendance.  Process appropriate paperwork to authorize absences in accordance with school system procedures.  Ability to complete work in a timely, accurate manner and to be conscientious about work performance.

EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent or designated Supervisor in accordance with Policy GBI - Evaluation of Personnel.

Job descriptions are designed and intended only to summarize the essential duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for the purpose of clarifying the general nature and scope of a position's role.  Job descriptions do not list all tasks an employee might be expected to perform.