Program Specialist I

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 I provides support to school districts, staff, students, and families 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 I is responsible for management and support of designated special projects or programs operated through the Special Programs & Services Department.

Essential Functions:

• Directly supervises Administrative Assistants, Educational Staff Associates, and program 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.
• Provides technical assistance and training to local education agencies (LEAs) in the area of special education, early childhood education and student support programs.
• Interprets 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 directors and program support personnel to develop comprehensive special education services, program supports, and procedures which adhere to policies within area of assignment.
• Plans, develops, coordinates, and assists in the implementation of professional development for district and school site personnel on related topics such as, but not limited to, Section 504 requirements, instructional pedagogy, specialized educational programs, Positive Behavior Instructional Supports, Response to Intervention, and Student and School Success efforts.
• Reviews corrective action summaries and compliance reports, provides technical assistance, and makes program or procedural recommendations to district administrators, conducts compliance verifications and prepares verification summaries for submission to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
• Attends and/or consults with district administrators in matters related to contentious IEP meetings. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related field and three years of program management experience required. Teaching experience with high risk students or students identified with special needs, and educational experience in both rural and urban school settings preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Requires knowledge of:

• The field of assignment sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in this position description.
• Education laws, including state and federal statutes and regulations for basic education and specialty area as assigned at an expert level, and an ability to interpret and communicate such to other professionals.
• Washington Standards-Based instruction, Response to Intervention Framework, and Behavior/ Functional Assessments and intervention strategies.
• Agency, state, and federal requirements and time lines.
• Educational Service District goals and objectives and a general understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• The body of special education history, movements, research, instructional pedagogy, issues and future trends, specific to the area of assignment.
• Effective leadership and supervisory techniques; knowledge of various models and research findings.
• Effective teaching strategies and techniques, and demonstrated use of such.
• Computer hardware and software programs and applications specific to the educational environment.
• Organizational development, task management, planning and facilitation skills.

Requires the ability to:

• Administer and monitor personnel policies and procedures for itinerant staff across wide geographical area.
• Effectively utilize interpersonal communication and team building skills to motivate, direct, mentor, and lead department staff members.
• Work with groups to identify relevant and meaningful outcomes and pursue them to completion.
• Communicate effectively with NWESD personnel, District specialists and administrators, and State program office, in both oral and written format, with effective outcomes.
• Organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan ahead to meet future needs and goals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other NWESD departments, school district staff and administrators, and OSPI staff.

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; no known significant hazards.

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.