Education Program Consultant IDEA DA

Job Description

Iowa Department of Education’s mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

The Education Program Consultant (IDEA-DA: Special Programs) will be an integral member of the Bureau of Finance, Data Analysis and Accountability and the Special Education Team; providing technical assistance, monitoring and support to school districts, non-public schools, alternative educational settings and Area Education Agencies.

Your Responsibilities

Design and develop an improvement focused system of support for educational programs in alternative settings (e.g., state operated programs, detention centers and shelters) that is incorporated into the Department's Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Differentiated Accountability (IDEA-DA).

Establish and implement focused monitoring processes for special education provided in educational programs in alternative settings (e.g., state operated programs, detention centers and shelters). This may include reviews of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), as well as district and Area Education Agency (AEA) policies, procedures, and practices to determine compliance with state and federal education laws for students with disabilities. Specifically, reviews will focus on Iowa Code Chapter 256B and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Collaborate with other Bureaus and agencies to ensure a continuum of services for students with disabilities. This involves ensuring appropriate academic instructional match and behavioral supports, goal setting, monitoring and data-based decision-making. This work includes, but is not limited to, planning professional learning opportunities, and evaluating the effectiveness of efforts to improve SDI across Iowa.

Provide guidance and technical support regarding implementation of Iowa's Special Education Procedures, Eligibility Standards, Evaluation Standards and Specially Designed Instruction initiatives as they apply to educators serving in alternative educational settings, including state operated programs, detention centers, and shelters.

Participate in comprehensive efforts of the Department and Bureau, including Department, Division, and Bureau meetings, and other assigned work groups.

Candidates are encouraged to include detailed information about their relevant experience in their application, or submit a cover letter and resume in addition to their application.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in administration and leadership.
• Experience with topics of IDEA and Special Education.
• Experience with topics of school and data systems improvement.
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning content.
• Experience interpreting and implementing state or federal education law.
  
  

If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact idoe.hr@iowa.gov .

To ensure full consideration for this position, all requested materials must be completed and uploaded through the NEOGov online application process.

Hours: 8:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M., Monday – Friday; some nights and weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travel

A successful candidate will bring or have the ability and desire to learn:

• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Strong technical skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority)
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders
  
  

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children/youth, their families, and Iowa communities
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and benefits package:
  
  

https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/employment/Benefits_Beyond_the_Paycheck.pdf

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Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in any one or a combination of the following areas:
• Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting;
• Professional administrative experience in an educational setting;
• Professional personnel administration including such areas as job analysis, performance appraisal systems, selection devices, or labor relations;
• Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience including the preparation or analysis of financial statements;
• Professional experience in a major technical program area utilized by the Iowa Department of Education or Board of Educational Examiners.
• A combination of a total of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience (as described in number one), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university course work equals one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution.
• Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements.
  
  

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.