POSITION DESCRIPTION:

A Special Education Program Specialist in the Albany Unified School District is a representative of the department who acts as a liaison between the Special Education Office and school sites and programs. As indicated in the Education Code: Education Content Specialists provide technical assistance, program coordination and evaluation, monitoring for compliance, as well as training and consultation as needed.

DUTIES — E=Essential Duties:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Plan and implement staff development and innovation of special methods and approaches for the instruction of individuals with exceptional needs E
• Provide coordination and consultation in program development E
• Assist in placement of students outside of their districts of residence into member districts, neighboring SELPAs, nonpublic schools, etc E
• Act as liaison for all programmatic issues between the schools of assignment and the Special Education Office E
• Share knowledge of local, state and federal regulations as they apply to Special Education E
• Monitor mainstreaming, inclusion and access to the core curriculum as indicated in student IEPs E
• Train staff in writing IEPs that are in compliance with regulations E
• Develop and deliver professional development activities based on teachers’ needs assessments E
• Monitor timelines to assure that District remains in compliance with state and federal Special Education timeline mandates E
• Represent district administration at selected IEP meetings as needed E
• Participate in the placement of students E
• Maintain a schedule for job accountability E
• Other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Instructional programs and best practices in general and special education
• Disabilities and effective curriculum practices, birth to age 22
• Positive behavior support strategies and best practices
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies
• Federal and state legislation and regulations related to special education
• Implementing effective staff development techniques
• Federal disability categories and their implications for educational planning
• Interagency collaboration.

ABILITY TO:

• Effectively present information and respond to questions from a variety of school staff, parents and agencies
• Interpret and work from a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, electronic, diagram, or schedule form
• Apply knowledge of current research, theory, and practices regarding curriculum, instruction and assessment
• Gather, coordinate, analyze and reconcile input from diverse sources
• Utilize data to make informed decisions
• Function as a team member in a variety of settings and situations
• Demonstrate strong interest in innovations and willingness to take initiative
• Modify systems, procedures, and programs within area of responsibility
• Use standard English to communicate orally and in writing with large and small audiences
• Seek out necessary information, agencies and resources for specific situations
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with a diverse community
• Operate common office machines and software

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Perform work which is primarily in an office setting
• Mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects (keyboard, telephone, and common office machines)
• Vision (which may be corrected) to read small print
• Work at a computer screen for prolonged periods.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, rules, policies and resources that affect Special Education in California
• Mastery skill in communicating in critical situations, both orally and in writing, and in facilitating group processes
• Advanced skill in data management and analysis
• Expertise in one or more areas of special education program planning and service delivery
• Mastery skill in working with others in both authority and non-authority relationships on a routine basis