Special Education Program Specialist

Description

Amethod Public Schools (AMPS) is a mission and values-driven organization. Our mission is to provide a fundamental and rigorous college preparatory education to any student who chooses one of our schools. Our day-to-day work is embodied with a set of core values: Students First, Be Adaptable, Persevere, Take Responsibility, and Commitment to Distinction or team members who exude these values and a passion for our mission.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Academic Officer or Special Education Designee, the Program Specialist assists and provides administrative support in all matters pertaining to key functions of the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), including but not limited to: contract documentation; reconciliation of special education invoices with special education services defined in Individual Education Programs (IEPs); IEP compliance and monitoring; professional development; timely/accurate reporting to the California Department of Education Special Education Division; and managing special education transportation. 

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Plans programs, provides curricular resources and technical assistance for, and assesses the effectiveness of the program for students with exceptional needs for all Amethod schools
• 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, including providing professional development as needed
• Provides leadership in the area of curriculum, instruction, and modification/accommodation for students with diverse learning needs
• Participates in professional development and provides training and support to the Special Ed Team to enhance instruction for students with social communication, behavioral, and learning challenges
• Assumes responsibility for appropriate identification, educational programming, and services for special education students
• Leverages individual and cultural diversity, demonstrating knowledge and understanding of working with ELL students
• Provides support for data-driven decision-making and accountability to improve the instructional program and ensure student progress
• Ensures due process requirements are met to complete the appropriate development of IEPs and provides ongoing monitoring to ensure IDEA compliance
• Participates in evaluation of Ed Specialists and Paraprofessionals and provides support to Principals in the supervision of special education team members.
• Manages complex cases to ensure appropriate special education services, including attending staffing meetings, IEP meetings, and parent conferences
• Applies conflict resolution strategies with parents or other educational partners to resolve disputes related to a student’s IEP, demonstrating knowledge of current IDEA and Amethod policy and procedures
• Assists in the design and facilitation of network-wide professional development for staff, including onboarding of Special Education team members
• Participate in the designing and redesigning of the Amethod special educational program
• Assists in recruiting and screening of special education staff
• Conduct class observation and speak with teachers to support and monitor all behavioral RTI data
• Support in planning and implementing teacher in-service and professional development at each school site
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Broad understanding of the MTSS/RTI structure as it relates to school reform
• Ability to use data for decision-making regarding student needs
• Ability to support professional development in all aspects of intervention methods both academic and behavioral needs
• Ability to work in a high demand environment
• Proven successful teaching or related service experience in Special Education

Minimum qualifications: 

• Clear CA Education Specialist Credential and CLAD certification required OR CA Related Service Provider Credential/License (School Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc.) 
• CPI certification desired
• Bilingual- Spanish desired
• Minimum 3 years of related experience in special education leadership

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000. Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and expertise. A competitive benefits package is also offered. This is a full-time, exempt, 100% in-person position.