Program Specialist, Special Education

Company: KIPP Public Schools Northern California
Location: Oakland
Posted on: May 13, 2022

Job Description:

Position SummaryAs Program Specialist, you will be an integral member of the Special Education leadership team, working under the supervision of the Associate Director of Special Education to provide sound educational programs for students with disabilities, and to support the programming & development of the Special Education programs of 3-5 schools in the region. - The Program Specialist is a consultant to school staff and to parents in helping to implement the individualized education plans for students as developed by IEP teams. -As Program Specialist, you will be responsible for the following three key areas:

• Education specialist and paraeducator support and development
• School-based special education program implementation
• IEP quality and complianceResponsibilities include, but are not limited to:Personnel Development
  • Education Specialists: Collaborate with school site administrators to observe, mentor and assist Education Specialists in IEP development and implementation of high-quality instructional practices. 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. Program Specialists support Education Specialists, during regular one on one meetings and ongoing consultation, to:
    • Provide excellent case management for students on their caseload
    • Develop compliant and effective IEPs -
    • Develop programs for students with complex needs
    • Develop, update, implement, and progress monitor behavior intervention plans
    • Facilitate IEP meetings efficiently and confidently
    • Schedule and deliver appropriate services to achieve goals
    • Support general education staff in providing accommodations and modifying curriculum
    • Effectively support paraeducator development in support of students on their caseload
    • Grow as a case manager in areas of teaching and learning, case management and stakeholder engagement using the KIPP case manager excellence rubric
      • Teacher Credentialing & Mentoring: When assigned, act as mentor for education specialists participating in credentialing programs, such as intern credential, teacher induction, and KIPP Teacher Residency. The responsibilities of a mentor may include: instructional observations and coaching, case management observations and coaching, mentor professional development, regular one-on-one meetings, and collaboration with education specialist school site managers.
        • Paraeducators: -Support IEP teams in implementing KIPP's paraeducator referral guidelines & process. Participate in hiring and training paraeducators. - Support Education Specialists to develop and document support including the development of fade plans when appropriate.
        • Professional Development: - Provide research-based staff development for special education and general education staff and administrators to assure compliance with special education laws -Program Implementation
          • IEP Program Development: -Assist Education Specialists in planning and implementing individualized education plans for students with disabilities. - Serve as a resource and liaison to IEP teams regarding placement and programming considerations. Participates as a member of IEP teams, as appropriate. - Provide case management for non-public school (NPS) students.
          • Consultation: Provide technical expertise and consultation services to school instructional staff and administrators regarding student learning and adjustment problems, and organizational systems for meeting individual student needs. - Recommend appropriate remediation, educational placement, or referral. - -
          • MTSS: Consult in the development of school-based Multi-Tiered System of Supports, as appropriate. -
          • Team Member: -Maintain relationships with school leaders, assistant principals, special education team members, and regional support office staff. - -Program Oversight
            • Provide support to LEAs & school teams to ensure Compliance, Quality Control, and Positive Parent relationships, including:
              • Compliance: - Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, state and SELPA reporting requirements, and KIPP Public Schools Northern California policies and procedures. - Maintain knowledge of current laws and regulations pertaining to individuals with exceptional needs. -
              • Quality Control: - Monitor student achievement and progress toward individualized education plan goals. Consults with school leaders in evaluating Special Education instructional program effectiveness. - Work with other management personnel to develop and/or change District policies and procedures for maintenance of complaints, high-quality instructional programs, and effective support services in Special Education.
              • Parent Relationships: -Facilitate the development of positive relationships with students, parents, and school personnel. - Advocate for students with special needs and their families. - Address concerns from students, parents, and staffPerform other duties as assigned.Desired Characteristics and Mindsets
                • Results-oriented team player who is dedicated to getting the job done.
                • Excellent organizational, planning, and implementation skills.
                • Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment.
                • Demonstrated ability to communicate and work well with others and to build relationships with multiple constituencies. -
                • A deep passion for social justice and equity for all children; belief that all students can achieve at the highest levels, regardless of demography.
                • Unquestioned integrity and commitment to KIPP Public Schools Northern California' mission and values.Qualifications -
                  • Clear California Special Education teaching credential to teach children with moderate to severe and/or mild to moderate disabilities; or Related Service Provider License.
                  • 5+ years of successful special education experience;
                  • Experience in personnel management, including instructional coaching and leading team meetings is preferred;
                  • Master's Degree with emphasis on specialized training in special education curriculum and instruction is preferred;
                  • Knowledge of special education laws and regulations; general education curriculum; alternative dispute methods and techniques; disabilities and appropriate curriculum; behavior management systems;
                  • Demonstrated success teaching students from educationally underserved areas.Physical, Mental and Environmental DemandsPhysical: Ability to navigate office and school campuses, and hold meetings in different spaces. Traditionally, much of the day involves sitting. Ability to access and utilize technology. Occasional lifting/carrying of equipment 1-20 lbs. Driving to different locations throughout Northern California.Mental: - Stress of deadlines and normal work standards, ability to analyze problems and generate alternatives, work with interruptions, concentrate for long periods of time, read, calculate, perform routine math problems, memorize and recall objects and people.Environmental: Office and/or classroom environments subject to constant interruptions and distractions. - Occasional classroom/school environment and travel. In an emergency context (e.g., pandemic), work may be conducted virtually fully or partially for extended periods of time or longer, and the expectation is that the individual will establish a productive, remote work environment (e.g., ability to stay connected through different technology means). It may require remote work as current public health guidelines warrant. Adhere to KIPP's health and safety guidelines as outlined by the CDC, CDE, and public health agencies' recommendations.ClassificationFull-time, exempt position based on the regional support office calendar and time off calendar.About KIPP Public Schools Northern CaliforniaWe are a thriving nonprofit network of 18 free, public charter schools open to all students. At KIPP, we believe all children should grow up free to create the future they want for themselves and that schools can and should be a critical factor in making that vision a reality. Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose-college, career, and beyond-so they can lead fulfilling -lives and build a more just world. -Our student community consists of over 7,000 elementary, middle, and high school students in East Palo Alto, Oakland, San Francisco, San Lorenzo, San Jose, Redwood City, and Stockton. 79% qualify for free or reduced price lunch, 23% are multilingual language learners, and 10% have special needs. - We strive to cultivate a representative team of teachers and leaders that reflect our -students' diversity. -How to ApplyPlease submit a cover letter and resume by clicking apply on this page.Compensation and BenefitsWe are dedicated to you and your family's well-being! KIPP offers a competitive salary as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and transportation benefits. -How to ApplyPlease submit a cover letter and resume by clicking apply on this page.Questions? Email

Keywords: KIPP Public Schools Northern California, Oakland , Program Specialist, Special Education, Education / Teaching , Oakland, California