Special Education Specialist

Position Summary

The Special Education Specialist supports the Director of Special Education in coordinating and monitoring special education services across the district. Under the Director's supervision, the Specialist provides guidance and support to school personnel to ensure that programs for students with disabilities are implemented effectively and in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and applicable federal and state regulations. The Specialist works collaboratively with school administrators, teachers, and district staff to support high-quality instruction, effective program implementation, and legally compliant special education services.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Support school administrators and staff in implementing district special education programs and services.
• Provide guidance on the development, implementation, and progress monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Monitor compliance with federal and state requirements, including timelines related to referrals, evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP implementation.
• Assist schools in ensuring appropriate services and instructional supports for students with disabilities in accordance with IDEA, Section 504, and Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) regulations.
• Provide coaching, modeling, and professional learning to school staff on instructional strategies, special education procedures, and compliance expectations.
• Collaborate with parents, school personnel, and district staff regarding evaluation processes, eligibility decisions, and services for students with disabilities.
• Attend and support Eligibility, IEP, and other special education meetings as needed.
• Assist with monitoring special education data, documentation, and program implementation to support compliance and continuous improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and ensure that schools maintain accurate and compliant special education records.
• Communicate regularly with school staff and district leadership regarding special education processes, timelines, and requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or district leadership.
  
  

Note: The above description is illustrative of typical duties and responsibilities and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Equipment: Uses standard instructional and office technology, including district data systems, student information systems, learning management systems, and adaptive instructional tools.

Physical and Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in school and office settings. The position requires the ability to travel between district schools, communicate effectively with staff and stakeholders, use standard office and instructional technology, and occasionally lift materials weighing up to 20 pounds. The role may also require attendance at meetings in various school environments.

Travel: May travel between district sites and attend required professional meetings or training.

Knowledge, Skills, And Attributes

• Knowledge of federal and state laws governing special education, including IDEA, Section 504, and Georgia special education regulations.
• Knowledge of special education referral, evaluation, eligibility, and IEP processes.
• Knowledge of effective instructional practices and supports for students with disabilities.
• Ability to analyze student data and support instructional decision-making.
• Ability to provide guidance and professional learning to school staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively with administrators, teachers, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive student information.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks and meet compliance timelines.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Certification: Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) teaching certificate in a field of Special Education required.

Educational Leadership certification preferred.

Education

Master's degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Experience

Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience teaching or providing services to students with disabilities required.

Experience supporting special education compliance, instructional support, or leadership responsibilities preferred at the 6-12 level preferred.

FLSA Status

Exempt