Temporary Special Education Program Specialist

Position Summary

Education for Change is looking for a dynamic and visionary Program Specialist who will engage staff, families, and other members of our learning community to ensure high student achievement, as well as support mental health and behavior in an effort to ensure children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. Under the supervision of the Director of Special Education, the Program Specialist serves as a Coach and Supervisor who assists special education staff and provides consultation, Individualized Education Program (IEP) coordination and support at the school site level;

provides leadership to principals, teachers, and support personnel to ensure legally compliant and instructionally effective services for students with disabilities; and provides professional development support to EFCPS staff. The Program Specialist will engage community partners and families in serving the whole child and ensuring ALL children achieve at high levels prepared to succeed in any setting. They should know how to successfully work in urban elementary, middle, and high school settings with a high English Learner and low-income population, including students who have experienced trauma.

EFCPS is committed to serving ALL students, regardless of need. Our approach addresses the diverse needs of our students by designing programming and support around student needs. We offer the full continuum of special education supports and services including inclusion, co‑teaching, resource instruction, combined programs that include both inclusive and small‑group instruction, and specialized programs for students with complex needs. Utilizing a Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to analyze and problem‑solve around student and staff needs.

We employ a whole‑child approach that not only meets the basic needs of our students, but also takes into consideration their socio‑emotional, academic and behavioral needs.

• Education specialists:
  Observe, mentor and assist education specialists in IEP development and implementation of innovative instructional methods and approaches. Provide opportunities and feedback to increase case management skills including IEP development and compliance, student progress evaluation and collaboration with service providers and general education teachers.
• School psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and other related service providers:
  Observe, mentor and assist staff. Provide weekly supervision to staff.
• Paraeducators:
  Participate in hiring and training para educators. Support education specialists’ supervision and development of their para educators.
• Professional Development:
  Support and facilitate team building, professional learning, collaboration and consultation as a member and leader of the student support services professional learning community. As a member of the student support services management team plan, develop and lead workshops to ensure staff are well‑trained and competent at providing specialized services.

• Student Support Services Programming:
  Plans programs, provides curricular resources and technical assistance for, and assesses the effectiveness of the program for students with exceptional needs. Assumes responsibility for appropriate identification, educational programming, and services for special education students. Provides leadership in the area of curriculum, instruction and modification/accommodation for students with diverse learning needs. Ensures the use of best practices in the implementation of pre‑referral behavioral interventions, positive behavioral interventions as outlined in the IEP, and implementation of behavioral support and intervention plans by collaborating with school psychologists, other specialists or site staff.
• IEP Development:
  Assist IEP teams in planning and implementing IEPs. Serve as a resource and liaison to IEP teams regarding placement and programming considerations. Participate as a member of IEP teams as appropriate. Provide…