Special Education Program Specialist; SY

Special Education Program Specialist [Broadmeadow Elementary School] (SY26-27)

Needham Public Schools Broadmeadow Elementary School - Needham, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job : 1485834

Final date to receive applications: Oct 31, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Re-Posted: Aug 26, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Special Education Program Specialist to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the Special Education Program Specialist assists with the design and implementation of intensive programming for students with complex learning profiles and/or behavioral challenges enrolled in a specialized program, utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis or therapeutic supports. Depending on grade level and need of students, the Special Education Program Specialist may be responsible for the following:

• Design and implement evidenced based specialized instruction for students with significant special needs utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis or therapeutic supports, which may take place in an inclusion setting
• Provide ongoing support and training for teaching assistants working in special education settings
• Provide specially designed instruction for students in substantially separate classroom settings
• Develop and maintain data systems to monitor student progress including academics, social skills and behavior
• Develop, implement, and support student specific and classroom-wide positive behavioral interventions and de-escalation strategies
• Prepare instructional materials for students based on their individual learning needs and goals
• Assist with preparation and implementation of augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non-speaking or have limited communication skills
• Provide life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate
• Provide pre-vocational training and job coaching for students in school and the larger community as appropriate
• Facilitate the integration of students within the general education classroom setting and provide support to address increased independence
• Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising lunch, recess, arrival or dismissal duty
• Assist with coordination of home/school communications (e.g. daily log) as assigned
• Collaborate and consult with teachers, specialists, special educators and building administration on the planning and implementation of instruction
• Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal or Assistant Principal

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
• Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges
• Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
• Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications:

• Credentialed as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), Applied Behavior Analyst (ABA), or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
• Minimum of 5 years experience working directly with students with complex learning profiles and/or behavioral challenges

Job Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here 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 the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Will assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions as well as life skill instruction including…