Program Specialist

Houston County Board of Education

Job Description

Certified Positions

Job Title Program Specialist                          Job Code  665                                   

Department/Location Student Services          FLSA Status Exempt                       

Reports To Director of Student Services                   Date November 10, 2015     

Summary and relationship to the curriculum:  This position provides system-wide supervision of identified program area and services, including program evaluation and development, to meet the educational goals of all students with disabilities in order for them to be successful in the educational environment in accordance with the system’s mission.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

1. Provides leadership guidance, support and technical assistance to program area personnel.

1. Assists in supervision and evaluation of identified program area personnel.

1. Chairs placement committee meetings and participates in decision-making processes concerning students referred for special education.

1. Leads the planning, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of the programs and services within the identified program area.

1. Develops and implements a plan for the best utilization of the resources available for the program area.

1. Facilitates the delivery of effective and appropriate instruction to students within the identified program area.

1. Screens and recommends applicants for appropriate teaching and support staff positions.

1. Provides leadership and guidance concerning regulations and appropriate due process procedures.

1. Develops, implements and evaluates curriculum interface procedures between the state adopted curriculum and special education.

1. Plans and implements professional learning activities.

1. Plans group meetings for parents of students with disabilities.

1. Serves as a liaison to appropriate professional and community groups.

1. Develops, implements, and evaluates community-based instructional programs.

1. Assumes any other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Director of Student Services, or other appropriate supervisor.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.   

• Must have knowledge of state and federal laws that apply to special education
• Must have knowledge of different exceptionalities and their characteristics

1. Education and/or Experience: Master’s degree or higher.  Minimum of five (5) years of professional teaching in a special education classroom setting preferred.  Administrative experience preferred.

1. Certificate or License Required: Must hold or be eligible to hold a valid Georgia professional certificate in the Special Education and Educational Leadership.

1. Language Skills: Ability to read and comprehend special instructions, correspondence, professional journals, state and federal publications, state and federal special education law, and other job related literature.  Must have knowledge and understanding of special education terminology.  Ability to write professional correspondences and reports.  Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to students, parents, school personnel, administrators and community agencies.

1. Mathematical Skills: Must have knowledge and understanding of general statistical procedures.  Must have ability to collect and analyze assessment data, predict outcomes, formulate strategies for obtaining a desired result, and report/present findings in print and chart/graph.                   

1. Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in non-standardized situations.  Ability to synthesize workable options/solutions from given facts.

1. Technical Ability: Must have considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office Products.  Familiarity with interoffice applications preferred.  

1. Customer Service Skills: Must be able to interact effectively with colleagues, administrators, teachers, staff members, students using tactful yet effective skills.

Professional Requirements:  Must serve as a role model to students.  Desirable personal characteristics are required. Appropriate dress and grooming consistent with established standards required.  Must be at work on time.  Must meet attendance standards.  Must conduct activities safely.  

Physical Demands:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and lift.  Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel.  The employee must be able to exert or lift up to 50 pounds.  

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Frequent travel involves exposure to traffic and outdoor elements.

Confidential Data Exposure:   The nature of this position entails exposure to confidential data.  Confidentiality must be held regarding financial and personal information.  

Approved By Board of Education __________Date  March 13, 2007___________

Revision Dates:  03-13-07; 6-9-10; 11-10-15