JOB SUMMARY
Under general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, the Program Specialist has responsibility for formulating and implementing District policy based on California Education Code and Title V regarding the guidance, health, psychological and special education programs of the District. Will facilitate evaluation, research and staff development activities essential to the effective implementation of the above mentioned programs. Will coordinate and reconcile input from diverse sources; organize, coordinate and administer assigned programs and activities related to special education. Provide leadership and function as a team member in a variety of settings, work with District staff in filing all necessary forms.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
•Instructional methods and strategies, including accommodations and modifications, differentiation and multiple strategies for assessment
•Differentiated instructional practices that promote academic success for students with learning needs
•Behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods
•District organization, operations, policies and objectives
•Applicable state and federal laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures in relation to Special Education
•Needs of a culturally and linguistically diverse student population
•Interpersonal skills, conflict resolution strategies and procedures, and team management building methods and techniques
•Specialized in-depth in preschool disabilities, career vocational development, or one or more areas of major disabling conditions


Ability to:
•Work cooperatively and effectively with a wide variety of organizations, staff and adults/students of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds
•Coordinate and reconcile input from diverse sources
•Plan, organize, develop and assist in the implementation of a comprehensive remedial instructional program for pupils experiencing learning disabilities.
•Provide leadership and to function as a team member in a variety of settings
•Work with staff in filing of all necessary forms
•Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
•Meet schedules and timelines
•Understand, implement and give complex oral and written directions
•Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work
•Compose clear, complete and concise correspondence and reports independently using correct grammar, syntax, punctuation and spelling
•Maintain a positive, professional, and competent personal presentation as an educator
•Assist staff in a productive manner.
•Work independently with minimal direction
•Plan and organize work
•Use computer applications including, but not limited to, word-processing, presentation and data base software programs
•Make informed recommendations based on sound practices, collaborative planning and legal requirements
•Develop and keep trust and confidence of others.
•Deal successfully with different personalities and opinions.
•Work as a part of a team
•Facilitate and/or participate in IEP team and other meetings
•Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
•See for purposes or reading printed matter and observing students.
•Hear and understand speech at normal levels; and to exchange information and make presentations
•Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation.
•Lift, carry, push, pull, bend, twist, stoop, kneel, run, and crawl.
•Perform light physical exertion
•Lift 25 pounds
•Carry 15 pounds
•Reach in all directions
•Stand, sit and walk for extended periods of time
•Work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations
•Read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures
•Work confidentially
•Meet schedules and deadlines
•Utilize time management and organizational skills
•Understand and carryout oral and written directions
•Maintain confidentiality within scope of duties and responsibilities


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THIS POSITION
May include, but not limited to:
•Evaluate the appropriate identification and placement of special education pupils
•Develop, evaluate and communicate due process procedures for special education assignments
•Provide technical advice on the identification of multiple strategies to reach desired student outcomes and evaluates effectiveness of these programs.
•Develop program goals for guidance, health, psychological, special education and other related special education student services.
•Implement special education staff development activities related to issues for student support and school-site personnel.
•Assist in the evaluation of Special Education programs
•Observe, consult with and assist resource specialists, special day class teachers, general education teachers and other staff working within Special Education in meeting goals as set within students’ Individual Educational Plans
•Assist in training staff in writing IEPs in compliance with regulations, represent the District at designated IEP meetings as well as develop and deliver professional development activities based on teachers’ needs assessment
•Provide assistance with the assignment and scheduling of Special education staff.
•Act as District liaison among community agencies that provide assistance to Special Education and with civic and other community agencies on services related to special education students, staff and school.
•Provide technical assistance and support with the implementation and monitoring of mainstreaming special education students
•Prepare and process all applications and reports for Special Education programs.
•Coordinates special education resources and services including the application, implementation, administration and evaluation
•Responsibility for assuring that pupils have access to full educational opportunities
•Observes, consults with, and assists staff in implementing district programs.
•Attend and provide District representation at Special Education meetings conducted by the Stanislaus SELPA and Stanislaus County Department of Education.
•Coordinate contracted services from Stanislaus County Office of Education and other agencies within the scope of special education services.
•Communicate regularly with site principals to coordinate the implementation of Special Education services at the site and classroom level.
•Participate in ongoing professional growth opportunities to keep current with educational law, trends and practices.
•Consult, assist, suggest and support school site staff concerning Special Education instructional programs
•Prepare and present necessary reports and information.
•Plan and facilitate Special Education meetings
•Serve as 504 Coordinator
•Collaborate with staff in planning staff development activities.
•Participates in a variety of meetings
•Work cooperatively with staff, pupils, parents community and outside agencies
•Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of duties and responsibilities as applicable
•Other related duties as assigned.


Education/Experience:

•Bachelor of Arts from an accredited college or university, completion of teacher preparation program including student teaching - required
•Masters Degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, preferably in Special Education or related field - desirable
•Three (3) years successful teaching experience within the Special Education Program environment. Additional teaching experience within general education and/or special education desirable.
•Valid California Driver’s License

Credential:
•Valid California preliminary or clear Education Specialists Teaching Credential (with authorization in Special Education)
•Valid Authorization to Teach English Language Learners

Salary Range: Teacher on Special Assignment