
Program Specialist, Alternative Education at Orange County Department of Education
About the Employer
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.
Job Summary
Job Summary
ACCESS is a public, WASC accredited educational program offering a variety of unique school options serving students throughout Orange County from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to adults seeking to complete their high school education. Our program is committed to the education of the whole student through the use of Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This approach is designed to meet the academic and socio-emotional needs of our students to prepare them for successful transitions to college and career. We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Program Specialist to join our Alternative Education team. In this role, you will lead, manage, and coordinate activities across assigned school sites, driving innovative approaches to support students in alternative education programs. You will work closely with educators, staff, and external agencies to provide training, develop curricular resources, and assess program effectiveness. We're looking for someone who can bring strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and a passion for helping students who may be behind in credits or at risk. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in alternative education, experience with juvenile court education systems, and the ability to inspire and guide staff.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in education. • Three (3) years of educational experience including at least one (1) year of experience working with alternative education or related programs. Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements: • A valid California credential authorizing service in a public school program. There is a supplemental question in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental question is listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your response in advance of beginning the application. 1. Describe your experience working with alternative education programs, specifically in coordinating instructional activities and services. How have you ensured that these programs meet the needs of students with diverse educational requirements? 2. In your past roles, how have you collaborated with outside agencies, such as school districts or community organizations, to enhance educational services for students in alternative education? What were the outcomes of these collaborations?
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in education. • Three (3) years of educational experience including at least one (1) year of experience working with alternative education or related programs. Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements: • A valid California credential authorizing service in a public school program. There is a supplemental question in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental question is listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your response in advance of beginning the application. 1. Describe your experience working with alternative education programs, specifically in coordinating instructional activities and services. How have you ensured that these programs meet the needs of students with diverse educational requirements? 2. In your past roles, how have you collaborated with outside agencies, such as school districts or community organizations, to enhance educational services for students in alternative education? What were the outcomes of these collaborations?
Comments and Other Information
A completed EdJoin application is required for a candidate to be considered for this opportunity. An attached resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed EdJoin application.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE. The selected candidate will be also required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
EOE/ADA
Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.
Comments and Other Information
A completed EdJoin application is required for a candidate to be considered for this opportunity. An attached resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed EdJoin application.
Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE. The selected candidate will be also required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization.
We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.
EOE/ADA
Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.