About this role
NATURE OF WORK The Program Specialist performs a variety of professional work to assist in the coordination of activities of the Exceptional Children's Department and reports directly to the EC Director. Work entails consultation to schools to ensure the implementation of required policies and procedures affecting students with disabilities. Employee is responsible for providing formal and informal assessment of students' specific strengths and needs; reviewing required EC forms/paperwork to ensure compliance with Federal and State statutes and regulations, and that ethical are practices are in place; and helping to facilitate IEP team determination of eligibility and placement of students with disabilities. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
• Planning and Oversight
• Works cooperatively with school personnel to accomplish the goals and objectives of the local education agency and assists building level administrators in resolving issues relating to the delivery of special education services
• Reviews required EC forms and paperwork to help determine eligibility and placement of students with disabilities
• Maintains records of the Exceptional Children program and prepares periodic reports as required
• Coordinates with student services provided by other school personnel
• Attends building level individualized education program (IEP) meetings as needed and can function as the LEA Representative, as determined appropriate
• As appropriate, serves as a mentor to beginning or residency program special educators
• Upon request, schedules/conducts staff development activities.
• Responds to calls and correspondence regarding all programs and services offered by the EC Department, and attends regional meetings as needed
• Screening, Testing, Eligibility Determination, and Advising
• Administers formal and informal assessments
• Analyzes and interprets information to make recommendations regarding the needs of the individual student
• Conducts student observations required for eligibility determination and transitions as needed
• Provides appropriate information on an informal or formal basis
• Liaison
• Acts as a consultant to schools to insure the implementation of required policies and procedures affecting students with disabilities
• Provides consultation to parents to facilitate their understanding of their rights and responsibilities (i.e., Notice of Procedural Safeguards)
• Adheres to Local, State, and Federal Regulations and Ethical Practice
• Assists in assuring compliance with Local, State, and Federal statutes and regulations, as well as ethical practice, within assigned schools
• Exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative in the performance of assignments
• Manages time efficiently
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's Degree in Education or a related field with at least 5 years of successful teaching experience with students that have disabilities; or any combination of training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities