Program Specialist II

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 II provides leadership to school districts staff, students, and families toward the improvement of student outcomes with a primary focus on vulnerable students and/or students with disabilities.   This is accomplished through direct support, consultation, student and staff training, and technical assistance in accessing resources needed to continue education, find a job, or live independently after graduation.  The Program Specialist II- Pre-Employment Transition Specialist is responsible for leadership of designated special projects and/or cooperative programs operated through the Special Programs & Services Department.

Essential Functions:

• May directly supervise Administrative Assistants or other 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.
• Assists students with setting goals and identifying, planning for, and overcoming potential obstacles. Provide students with the necessary follow up and encouragement needed to progress towards meeting goals.
• Meet with students to advise on all areas related to transitions: such as career research and planning, workforce training, internship placement, job readiness and employment search, college planning and admissions, and financial aid processes.
• Provides consultation, technical assistance, and training to local education agencies (LEAs) in areas such as special education, early childhood education, post-secondary transition services, and student support programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working partnerships with key stakeholders such as school district transition facilitators, adult education, workforce centers, and college departments like financial aid, admissions, disability services, etc.
• 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 education policies within area of assignment.
• Plans, develops, coordinates and assists in the implementation of professional development for district and school site personnel to ensure program deliverables are met; such as, but not limited to Section 504 requirements, instructional pedagogy, specialized educational programs (e.g., special education, institutional education, Title I), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (e.g., PBIS, RTI) , and Student and School Success efforts.
• Reviews corrective action summaries and compliance reports, provides technical assistance, and makes program, procedural and staffing 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.
• Collaborates with OSPI program supervisor/director and ESD district administrators in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned program.
• Performs fiscal management tasks including budget development, tracking of expenditures, and completion of expenditure reports as required by funding source, and in compliance with NWESD protocol.
• Compiles data and submit program summary reports as required by funding source.
• Attends, assists with the coordination of, and provides input to collaborative meetings with agency partners.
• Serves with job-alike colleagues on committees/tasks force groups to develop and implement program services aligned to targeted goals within area of assignment. 

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• 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.
• 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, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and Behavior/ Functional Assessments and 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 in Washington state.
• Knowledge of the body of education history, movements, research, instructional pedagogy, issues and future trends specific to the area of assignment.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and supervisory techniques; knowledge of various models and research findings.
• Knowledge of effective teaching strategies and techniques, and demonstrated use of such.
• Knowledge of system improvement frameworks and implementation of continuous improvement efforts.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs and applications specific to the educational environment.
• Knowledge of 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 program management experience required.  Teaching experience with vulnerable students or students identified with special needs, and educational experience in both rural and urban school settings preferred. Washington State Teaching or Administrative Certificate preferred, dependent on area of assignment. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Must have a valid WA State Driver’s License.

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.