Program Specialist

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: A master's degree from an accredited college or university in special education, leadership, administration or supervision. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Certification or Licensure: Holds or meets requirements for Georgia leadership certification, and teacher certification in special education or related field.

Skills: Knowledge of federal laws/regulations and state rules applying to students with disabilities and of general and special education instructional programs within Richmond County School System. Knowledge of Georgia Performance Standards. Comprehension of a variety of research-based strategies, materials and technology to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Ability to problem solve by addressing instructional and programmatic issues identified by administrators, parents, and community members at-large. Comfortable with working collaboratively with special education staff, central office leadership, principals, teachers, community agencies, and parents. Excellent oral, written communications and human relations skills. A firm understanding of the Georgia School Code; the Individuals with Disabilities Education improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), (P.L. 108-446), The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (S504) other legislation that impacts students with disabilities; and School Board Policy related to the education of students with disabilities.

Work Experience: Five years or more of teaching and/or providing technical assistance serving students with disabilities across a range of ages and settings. Demonstrated successful experience in the planning, development, and implementation of programs, and procedures related to special education. Successful experience working with parents and community groups. Demonstrated ability to accomplish short- and long-range planning aimed at timely and effective delivery of services.

PRIMARY DUTY:

This position is responsible for assisting with the planning, coordinating, and implementing the SchoolBased Special Education Services. Responsible for managing the special education services for schoolaged students with disabilities in Grades PK-12 to ensure the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. The ability to guide and organize school staff and provide technical support and assistance.

2. Manage internal or external resources providing services to students with disabilities in all program areas under Georgia State Rules.

3. Directly and indirectly insure there are appropriate assessment, placement, and compliance according to state and federal guidelines; and monitor the administration of special programs in schools.

4. Serves as the liaison between central office, the Department of Special Education Services, and school-based administrators on issues related to special education staffing and programming.

5. Monitors the provision of a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment based on an individualized education program for each student with disabilities served.

6. Assists with improving instruction in schools through the provision of well-designed curriculum, high-quality instructional materials, and the identification of effective instructional practices, including implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards and Richmond County School System (RCSS) curriculum and special curricula.

7. Assists general and special education staff with the implementation of effective instruction programs.

8. Increases support for effective school program implementation and improved classroom instruction through coordinated efforts with system-level and school-based administrators and specialists.

9. Achieves goals that may be outlined in various reports, strategic plans, or audits.

10. Establishes partnerships among general and special educators, parents, other government agencies, the community, and the business sector to promote the success of students with disabilities in all aspects of RCSS and the community.

11. Assures a high quality of support to schools and special centers, including the coordination, planning, and monitoring of services.

12. Assists with design, implementation, and evaluation of the programs and services.

13. Monitors and provide feedback regarding programs for students with disabilities throughout RCSS.

14. Assists RCSS and the school with meeting the requirements set by federal and state legislation for educating children and youth with disabilities.

15. Remains knowledgeable regarding ongoing and new program development.

16. Review recent literature and research studies and reports.

17. Keeps abreast of local, state, and national developments in order to affect changes in operation as necessitated by current changes in society, business, education, etc.

18. Communicates with staff and community and responds to concerns about the instructional programs, facilities planning, and training programs.

19. Assists other instructional departments in conducting research and evaluation studies related to the instructional program. 20. Identifies in-service needs, plans, and coordinates staff training programs designed to assist administrators and teachers in implementing instructional programs.

21. Participates in the selection, assignment, and observation of staff.

22. Provides assistance in the preparation of an annual departmental operating budget with such supporting data as are necessary for clarification to the superintendent of schools and to the Board of Education.

23. Provides school and system level support for analyzing discipline data and identifying effective strategies.

24. Works with special education department chairs/liaisons on compliance issues.

25. Ensures compliance with State Rules on the identification and placement of students with disabilities.

26. Assists in the preparation of special reports as needed.

27. The employee shall carry out such other and further duties, whether specifically listed above or not, as are assigned or required by such employee’s supervisor, other appropriate school personnel, law board policy administrative regulation, department handbook, as are reasonably necessary to the efficient operation of the school system and its mission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work environment characteristics 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 essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit.

Salary : $52,239 - $91,120