Special Education Program Grants Liaison (Education Program Specialist I)

This position serves as the Special Education Grants Liaison responsible for providing technical assistance to local education agencies (LEAs), public agencies (PAs), institutions of higher education (IHEs), Local Infants and Toddlers Programs (LITP), and Non-LEAs for completing and submitting Local Applications for Federal Funds (LAFF), Consolidated Local Implementation Grant (CLIG), and IHE/Non –LEA Requests for Proposal (RFP). Also the position provides assistance for filing amendments, progress reports, carryover requests, special requests for federal discretionary and State funds in accordance with timelines along with preparing Notice of Grant Awards (NOGA) as requested and conducting on-site fiscal monitoring to ensure compliance with federal and State regulations.Provides technical assistance to LEAs, PAs, LITPs, IHEs, and Non-LEAs in analyzing plans for passthrough and discretionary funding for the implementation of services for students with disabilities in accordance with federal and State regulations.

• Ensures grantees plans are in alignment with positive outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of fiscal resources within programs and provides fiscal advice, recommendations, and specialized technical assistance to recipients of grant funding administered by the Division.
• Interprets laws and regulations to maintain fiscal control in compliance with applicable State and federal laws and regulations and responds to questions regarding grant forms and allocations.
• Completes fiscal analysis and develops reports using databases to assist program staff in making strategic fiscal and programmatic decisions.
• Coordinates, administers, and monitors all aspects of DEI/SES passthrough and discretionary grants.
• Prepares, develops, analyzes, reviews, the LAFF, CLIG, IHE/Non-LEA RFP, and CCIF.
• Provides program coordination and oversight for all activities leading up to award of grants and administration during the life of the grant.
• Monitors adherence to spending plans and provides reports to Asst. State Superintendent/Branch Chief regarding spending and issues.
• Prepares Notice of Grant Awards, reviews and approves grant applications and amendments, reviews, finalizes, and approves monthly, interim, annual, and final progress reports, and provides recommendations and feedback.
• Analyzes grantee expenditures as part of ongoing monitoring process, anticipates and resolves year-end issues.
• Maintains financial accountability data in Access database and compiles Excel spreadsheets for assigned LEAs, LITPs, public agencies, and other agencies that are recipients of federal grant funds.
• Conducts on-site subrecipient monitoring with the Section Chief for assigned LEAs, PAs, IHEs, and Non-LEAs to ensure compliance with all federal and State regulations.
  
  

Education: A Master’s Degree or equivalent 36 post baccalaureate credit hours of course work in Education, Special Education, Education Administration, or a related field.

Experience: Four (4) years professional administrative or teaching experience in an education program. Two years of the required experience must be in coordinating or administering education programs serving individuals with disabilities.

Notes

• Candidates may substitute two additional years of experience directly related to the position option for the required education.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
• The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
  
  

One year of experience with grant administration, implementation & execution.Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Knowledge of trends, regulations, policies & issues governing programs for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of grant administration & implementation of grants, financial issues & budget analysis of educational programs.
• Skill collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data for program compliance and improvement.
• Skill developing, delivering, and evaluating professional learning in face-to-face, virtual, asynchronous, and hybrid formats.
• Skill developing, delivering, and evaluating professional learning and technical assistance in face-to-face, virtual, asynchronous, and hybrid formats.
• Skill in managing multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations governing special education programs.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and communicate clearly & effectively both orally and in writing, through the presentation of concise yet comprehensive guidance, analyses & reports.
• Ability to develop written programmatic resources and policy guidance.
• Ability to communicate clearly & effectively both orally & in writing, through the presentation of concise yet comprehensive training, analyses & reports.
  
  

Applicants must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be in effect for at least one year. Please do not put "See Resume" in the job duties section of your application and or supplemental questionnaire. Your application will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

State Of Maryland Benefits

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment -AND- submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.