PowerSchool Specialist

The PowerSchool Specialist is responsible for performing a variety of administrative duties and maintains the PowerSchool data and reporting for the Special Education Division. This position regularly handles sensitive information, which requires exercising sound judgement in safeguarding the confidentiality of this information. The PowerSchool Specialist will maintain regular cooperation and compliance with all regulatory, accrediting, and governing bodies. This position will analyze and verify data in PowerSchool SIS regularly both independently and with the Supervisor to maintain the most accurate data possible.

Essential Functions:

• Support the Student Data Team in verifying, updating, and maintaining student data as required for local, state, and federal reporting
• Establish, design, and implement PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) by generating reports and queries for the Special Education Department (e.g., Transition to K, Billing Reports)
• Implement PowerSchool Enrollment and coordinate the registration process by sending registration links to families
• Provide technical support to users of the SIS and develop and maintain procedural documentation to confirm accuracy and validity of the data
• Maintain procedural knowledge of state and federal guidelines for data reporting as well as technical knowledge of the systems used
• Investigate and troubleshoot user issues with PowerSchool SIS
• Coordinate with developers for customization and/or improvement to the SIS, such as reports, queries or custom fields
• Recommend and implement various components or modules of the SIS that are not being utilized to their full potential (e.g., Gradebook, Health Management)
• Access resources designed to assist and improve Pennsylvania Information Management System (PIMS) data collection and submission, such as webinars, website announcements, bulletins, and trainings
• Provide and facilitate instruction and training on the use of the SIS for the Student Data Team and other users.
• Provide cross trainings or knowledge sharing as required to ensure system function redundancy exists.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding the information being processed, stored, or accessed by the systems.
• Maintain system security, end-user documentation, data dictionary, business rules, and other technical manuals
• Maintain current knowledge and a base understanding of new technologies by regularly reviewing system release notes, attending provided trainings, and other system changes that may impact state reporting or other data collection needs.
• Establish and maintain good relationships with Bucks IU and District, technical staff, vendors, statewide counterparts, and representatives of the state-reporting program
• Project a positive image of Bucks IU and its programs and services through communication and quality of support
• Serve as a back-up and support to other application support staff members.
• Assume any other responsibilities as assigned by Supervisor/Director or his/her designee.
• Assume any other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant to the Executive Director or his/her designee.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 260-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hours are dependent on the needs of the districts. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel: Little travel to client locations are expected for this position.

Education and Experience:

Level of Degree:

• Associate’s degree required
• Bachelor’s Degree beneficial
• Minimum three (3) years’ administrative experience
• Experience in PowerSchool or similar software program a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient technology skills including Microsoft Office Suite

• Ability to create, manage and edit spreadsheets and various reports

• Ability to work independently and within a team to accomplish goals and to problem solve.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and time management skills.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.