Technical Assistance Specialist II or III

Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled special education professional who is collaborative, extremely knowledgeable, and passionate about improving outcomes for students with disabilities by providing high-quality technical assistance and professional learning to states and districts. The ideal candidate is an experienced, senior level leader who understands the complexities of special education systems at both the State Education Agency (SEA) and Local Education Agency (LEA) levels and can build strong, positive relationships with diverse partners.

The Technical Assistance (TA) Specialist for the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE) provides special education technical assistance/professional development (TA/PD), as assigned, to TAESE clientele. All assigned TA/PD is specified in State contracts or associated with TAESE projects. The TA specialist will receive direction from the TAESE director, associate director(s), and funding agency staff assigned to each specific activity.

The successful candidate may either be hired as a Technical Assistance Specialist II or III depending on qualifications.

You are a previously-certificated special educator who has served at the local, district, and state levels. You have most recently served in a senior state level position such as state director, monitoring team lead, compliance specialist, etc. You are ready to move into the role of subject‑matter expert at the national, state, and local levels using your knowledge and experience to assist state and local leadership teams to build their capacity and improve their systems.

You are a collaborator and flexible member of a team who is ready to hit the ground running. You like to travel as needed, you like to prepare high quality professional learning activities, you enjoy networking and creating new relationships, and you have a history of seeing solutions to current problems but also ideas for future opportunities!

This position is telework‑eligible within the state of Utah. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University prior to a job offer being extended.

Exempt positions are eligible for excellent benefits including: 13 paid holidays, 22 days of paid vacation leave and 12 days of sick leave per year, 50% tuition reduction for employees and dependents, competitive health benefits packages and a generous contribution into your retirement.

• Have knowledge of and appreciation of the position of the State Special Education Director.
• Be familiar with and implement TAESE standards of TA/PD.
• Research and become thoroughly familiar with the unique educational culture and climate of assigned States, and other clientele.
• Take the lead of the State or school district client, provide support, and establish a positive relationship.
• Develop a deep, functional understanding of special education, general supervision under the IDEA, and other relevant federal laws.
• Be familiar with each States’ State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) process and data.
• Have a working knowledge of, and conduct TA activities within the knowledge and context of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) TA and D Centers, and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE).
• Understand the State Special Education Director’s and SEA staff’s role.
• Whenever appropriate, utilize technology in delivering TA/PD.
• Apply correct interpretations of State regulations, IDEA, FERPA, ESSA, ADA, and 504 in all areas of TA/PD.
• Conduct and participate in necessary virtual meetings with State and school district staff.
• As directed, develop and/or revise State special education guidelines and documents.
• Understand the role and functions of OSEP and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).
• As requested, make presentations and provide trainings for clients.
• Develop and/or revise SEA and LEA orientation curriculum.
• Continue to remain current on all areas of special education and IDEA.
• Develop agendas for all assigned activities.
• Conduct an…