Special Education Specialist; SES

Academic Registry and Student Affairs Department (ARSAD)

Reports To

Location

Student Affairs / Academic Support

The Special Education Specialist is fully responsible for overseeing and managing the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) program and services at Muscat University.

The role ensures that students with learning, psychological, behavioral, or physical disabilities are provided with appropriate support and reasonable accommodations to enable full participation in academic programs and campus life, in compliance with Omani law, OAAAQA requirements, and University policies.

• Strategic Leadership, Policy & Compliance
• Ensure all SEND practices comply with Royal Decree 121/2008, the Basic Statute of the State, and ISA–OAAAQA requirements.
• Support the continuous review, implementation, and improvement of the University’s SEND Policy, ensuring alignment with international best practices.
• Advise University management on structural, operational, and resource requirements necessary to support an inclusive campus environment.

• SEND Program Management
• Manage the implementation and day-to-day operation of the University’s SEND Program in line with approved policies, mandates, and strategic direction.
• Ensure SEND services are aligned with institutional operational plans and student support frameworks.
• Coordinate SEND-related activities across academic and administrative units.

• Personalized Student Support (PSP Framework)
• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing review of Personalized Student Plans (PSPs) for students with special educational needs.
• Design and recommend reasonable accommodation (e.g. extended examination time, assistive technology, alternative assessment formats) and coordinate their implementation with Faculties and relevant units.
• Maintain a confidential registry of SEND cases, including assessments, support history, accommodations, and progress tracking.

• Staff Development & Capacity Building
• Design and deliver training sessions and workshops for academic and non-academic staff involved in supporting SEND students.
• Provide guidance on disability awareness, inclusive practices, specialized instructional approaches, and case management.
• Support staff in recognizing different types of disabilities and responding appropriately.
• Act as the primary liaison between SEND students, Academic Advisers, Faculties, and the Academic Registry regarding assessments, examinations, and graduation requirements.
• Liaise with external assessment centers, specialists, and relevant organizations as required.
• Coordinate with the Guidance Counsellor and Student Affairs Unit to support communication with parents or guardians, where appropriate, ensuring a holistic support approach.
• Conduct annual evaluations of the SEND program using student feedback, participation data, and academic performance indicators.
• Monitor international trends in accessibility and inclusive higher education and recommend enhancements or pilot initiatives.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to SEND services for management review and self-study and accreditation reporting.

• Departmental & Quality Support
• Support, under the direction of the line supervisor, other quality assurance–related activities within ARSAD, as required.
• Ensure proper documentation and evidence management in line with institutional and accreditation requirements.

• Holds full operational responsibility for SEND program implementation within approved policies and procedures.
• Has authority to recommend accommodations, program improvements, and support measures.
• Financial authority strictly as defined in the Delegation of Authorities Matrix and approved Financial Policies.

• Effectiveness and timeliness of SEND support and accommodations.
• Student satisfaction and engagement levels among SEND students.
• Compliance with legal, policy, and accreditation requirements.
• Accuracy and confidentiality of SEND records and documentation.
• Completion of training and capacity-building activities.

Bachelor’s degree in Special Education (Master’s degree preferred).

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education teaching or SEND support at any educational level.

• Strong knowledge of inclusive education and SEND practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in sensitive and confidential contexts.
• Ability to work collaboratively across academic and administrative units.
• Strong organizational and case-management skills.