Program Support Technician

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 the direction of Program Specialist III, the Program Support Technician 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, age sixteen 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.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Assists in the implementation of professional development for district and school site personnel on related Pre-ETS topics.
• Works with Program Specialists in providing work based learning activities and experiences for students with disabilities.
• Provides technical assistance, and makes program or procedural recommendations to Program Specialist III, conducts compliance verifications, and prepares verification summaries for submission to the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Track, update, and revise Pre-ETS documents and collaborate with creating workshop curriculum.
• Collaborate with school districts and community-based partners to develop/coordinate work-based experiences focusing on students furthest from opportunity.
• Coordinate and facilitate Career Preparation events within regional schools to ensure implementation and provide necessary resources, planning, and support.
• Collaborate with schools and industry partners to offer career exploration and preparation events that assist students, teachers, and staff in the development of state-required High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP).
• Maintain accurate records of student participation, equitable student access to careers, business participation, and other required data entry or statistics.
• Develop and maintain an inventory of regional events and programming as it relates to career preparation, work-based experience, internship opportunities.

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 agency, state, and federal requirements and timelines.
• Knowledge of Educational Service District goals and objectives and a general understanding of the various departments/components of an ESD.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs and applications specific to the educational environment.
• Knowledge of event planning, coordination, and facilitation.
• Knowledge of team driven leadership, best practices, and solutions for the success of the program.
• Skill in communicating effectively with businesses, educators, and community members.
• Respond to stakeholders (businesses, teachers, principals, administrators, students) to provide information and recommendations.
• 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, Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and OSPI staff.

Qualifications:

Associates Degree in Education, Communications or related field. A combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Experience working in an educational setting and/or experience building partnerships with businesses and workforce partners is highly desired. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel within the NWESD region will be required for on-site visits to school districts being served. 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:  Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount.  Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

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.