Position Summary

Under the General direction of the assigned administrator, provide leadership, administration, and coordination of assigned program(s) in the Department of Special Education. Provide educational and administrative leadership to support certificated and classified staff responsible for providing student services. Plan, supervise and evaluate the work performed by certificated and classified staff. Assist in the development and administration of the program budget(s). Direct and coordinate the development and implementation of in-service training programs. Serve as liaison between Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) and the local school districts it serves, other schools, community groups, the public and other agencies. Manage and coordinate facilities use and perform related duties as assigned. Ensures that services are provided as required to accelerate the achievement of students and as required by laws, regulations, ordinances and policies.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform any combination of these duties.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Special Education Program Manager assists in development and implementation of goals and objectives within the department. Supervisory responsibility includes a wide range of certificated and classified staff from day-to-day supervision to overseeing others in conducting and signing formal evaluations to initiating and writing contracts for work performance by staff.  Plans program objectives, makes many decisions while in contact with others.  Collaborate with local school district administrators, students and staff, specialists, boards and other agencies as an official representative of HCOE.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the Director of Special Education.  This position is responsible for the evaluation of classified and certificated staff assigned.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of the content and curriculum materials for Special education and related services;
• Assist in the development of program evaluation tools and information regarding specific criteria and performance standards for assigned programs and services;
• Develop, coordinate, and provide coaching and professional development options that meet site needs and HCOE goals;
• Provide professional development and coaching to district/school leaders and leadership teams to build their capacity to move forward with improvement efforts and program initiatives;
• Provide data and analysis to targeted schools/districts or teams for program development;
• Provide data and analysis to IEP teams;
• Participate in HCOE staff meetings and provide support to HCOE and district programs by attending meetings, initiating relevant agenda items, sharing ideas and opinions as appropriate;
• Establish and maintain clear communication and cooperative working relationships with Districts, Staff, and other agencies;
• Participate in the establishment of agency to agency contracts; participate in writing proposals and agreements; ensure that agreements are properly administered;
• Develop personal goals and objectives which support and are consistent with goals of the Superintendent and HCOE;
• Maintain professional competencies in areas of responsibility, maintain contact with and participate in professional job-related organizations and serve as a liaison to professional groups;
• Implements, trains, directly supervises, and/or acts as a resource to school site staff regarding areas of expertise;
• Prepares and maintains comprehensive records, reports, files, and documentation as required and directed by the Humboldt County Office of Education administrative policies, and state and federal laws and regulations;
• Develops and revises procedures to comply with relevant laws, regulations, and policy.

Qualifications/Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Research-based practices of effective, visionary leadership;
• Principles and practices of effective presentation and facilitation techniques, styles and skills;
• Principles and practices of engaging, rigorous and stimulating professional development activities;
• California’s accountability system;
• Standardized testing and reporting interpretation and analysis;
• Curriculum design, planning, development, implementation and evaluation;
• Program planning and evaluation designs and tools;
• Federal, state and local laws; codes, regulations, requirements; and current research and development pertaining to areas of assigned responsibility;
• Current federal, state, and local policies, rules, laws, regulations, and legislation pertaining to special education;
• District policies and procedures, organizational structure and functions, and personnel policies and procedures;
• Staff development and professional development resources and the ability to implement them;
• Effective administrative and managerial practices;
• Budget preparation and spending control.

Ability to:

• Provide effective leadership in a special education setting by facilitating group processes, including consensus building and conflict resolution;
• Motivate, challenge, and guide others in the improvement of educational programs and HCOE services;
• Communicate with students, parents, community representatives, district personnel, and other community partners, both individually and as a group;
• Compose and comprehend written communications;
• Ability to flex communication style to multiple cultural environments;
• Make formal, public presentations;
• Utilize computer technologies including but not limited to: electronic medical recording systems, email, word processing, spreadsheets, power point, and educational applications;
• Determine work assignments of special education staff and supervise;
• Be able to work directly with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, disability, and socioeconomic groups while maintaining a kind and professional demeanor free of discrimination;
• Demonstrate appropriate poise, tact, and sound judgment while coping with a high volume of work and multiple tasks;
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments and schedules.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required:

• Demonstrated successful experience as a classroom teacher, counselor, psychologist, or other certificated staff;
• Supervisory/management experience in the education of individuals with special needs;
• Appropriate valid California Teaching Credential and California Administrative Services Credential are required;
• At least two years’ experience as a school site or district office administrator.

Preferred Experience:

• Master’s degree or advanced practice degree in the field of Nursing from an accredited university preferred;
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Demonstrated experience with successful development and implementation of professional learning workshops and trainings;
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, Sign Language, Hmong highly desirable).

Working Conditions

This position will be assigned to an office setting, either in the County Office of Education or at District school sites, the employee will be expected to work closely with other County office, District personnel, students, families, other professionals, outside agencies, and private partners, in person, via email, and on the telephone. Assigned to occasional school site settings where multiple children, school staff, and families are present. Employees may be required to walk, stand, or conduct work in outdoor educational environments where there may be loud students or staff, varied temperatures, public interaction, or upset staff or students.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear. The employee will need to frequently perform repetitive hand/finger movements for activities such as but not limited to using a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, bend, reach with hands/arms, lift, stoop, kneel, and crouch.  The employee will regularly be required to drive long distances to remote areas of the county and may be required to lift and move equipment up to 25 lbs.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment;
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment;
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable);
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Certificated Management | Class 2