Program Specialist III

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

Under direction of the Special Programs & Services Director or Assistant Director, the Program Specialist III provides leadership to school district administration and staff, toward the improvement of student outcomes with a primary focus on high-risk students and/or students with disabilities, birth through age twenty-one. This is accomplished through direct support, consultation, and technical assistance to districts and NWESD program personnel, and provision of professional development associated with Special Programs and Services. The Program Specialist III is responsible for leadership of designated special projects at a regional implementation level, and coordinated initiatives for the Special Programs & Services Department.

Essential Functions:

• Directly supervise assigned staff, including assigning and directing performance responsibilities, reviewing, planning and initiating strategies for performance development, leadership support and training, formally evaluating performance, resolving complaints, and recommending the hiring and termination of staff.
• Provide leadership, consultation, technical assistance and training to local education agencies (LEAs) in the area of special education, early childhood education and student support programs.
• Administrative oversight and management of a variety of grants, contracts, and interlocal or other cooperative agreements for special services.
• Interpret applicable laws, codes, and regulations as they apply to special education services; including the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), board policies and procedures.
• Consults and works collaboratively with district administrators and program support personnel to develop comprehensive special education services, program supports, and procedures, which adhere to education policies within area of assignment.
• Plan, develop, coordinate and assist in the implementation of professional development for district and school site personnel on system and program support topics such as, but not limited to IDEA and Section 504 requirements, leadership, instructional pedagogy, specialized educational programs (e.g., special education, institutional education, Title I), Multi-tiered Systems of support (PBIS and RTI) and Student and School Success efforts.
• Review corrective action summaries and compliance reports, provide technical assistance, and make program or procedural recommendations to district administrators; conduct compliance verifications and prepare verification summaries for submission to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• Attend and/or consult with district administrators in matters related to contentious IEP meetings.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of basic and special education laws, including state and federal statutes and regulations at an expert level, and an ability to interpret and communicate such to other professionals.
• Knowledge of Washington Standards-Based instruction, Response to Intervention and Positive Behavior Support Frameworks, including Functional Behavior Assessments and evidence-based intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of agency, state, and federal requirements and time lines.
• Knowledge of Educational Service District goals and objectives and a general understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• Knowledge of the body of education history, movements, research, instructional pedagogy, issues and future trends specific to the area of assignment.
• Skill in effective leadership and supervisory techniques; knowledge of various models and research findings.
• Skill in effective teaching strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of system improvement framework and implementation of continuous improvement efforts.
• Ability to utilize computer software programs and applications specific to the educational environment.
• Organizational development, task management, planning and facilitation skills.
• Ability to administer and monitor personnel policies and procedures for program staff across a wide geographical area.
• Ability to effectively utilize interpersonal communication and team building skills to motivate, direct, mentor, and lead department staff members.
• Ability to work with groups to identify relevant and meaningful outcomes and pursue them to completion.
• Ability to communicate effectively with NWESD personnel, District specialists and administrators, and State program office, in both oral and written format, with effective outcomes.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other NWESD departments, school district staff and administrators, and OSPI staff.

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Education, Special Education, Educational Administration, School Psychology, or equivalent; and three years of School/Special Education program management experience required, including supervision of certificated staff. Teaching experience with high-risk students or students identified with special needs, and educational administration experience in both rural and urban school settings preferred. Valid Washington State driver’s license.  WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Administrative certification required (Program and/or Principal certification dependent on area of assignment).

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel within the NWESD region will be required for provision of technical assistance to Districts, and training sessions, and overnight or extended travel may be required for attendance at workshops and conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Sitting for extended periods of time may be required.  Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Those present in a normal office environment.  Routine travel may pose potential hazards including driving in inclement weather.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.