Special Education Specialist (Education Specialist II)

The work we do matters! Hiring Agency: Education - Agency 13 Location: Lincoln, NE Hiring Rate: $30.597 Job Posting: JR2026-00026712 Special Education Specialist (Education Specialist II) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): 06-13-2026 Job Description: Join the Nebraska Department of Education as a Special Education Specialist and help strengthen Special Education services and programs across the state. In this role, you’ll provide training, consultation, and technical assistance related to Special Education programs, including compliance, data use, and the Improving Learning for Children with Disabilities (ILCD) process. You’ll work closely with school districts, ESUs, service providers, and families to support effective programs and continuous improvement efforts. We’re looking for someone who is collaborative and organized with strong communication and problem-solving skills. If you are interested in meaningful work that advances positive student outcomes, we encourage you to apply today. **The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.** Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE. Pay Grade 7: $63,641.21/year ($64,436.73/year after pay structure increases on June 29, 2026) This rate is based upon available budget funds; any offer will be made at this rate. Teammates Enjoy In addition to being part of meaningful work and making a difference through public service, our Total Compensation package includes an approximate $27,000 in additional Benefits value! See full benefits information at Competitive benefits, paid time off, and retirement 79% employer-paid health insurance, dental, vision, long and short-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts, employee discount program, and more! Generous vacation and sick leave earnings each year (starting at 12 days each!), plus a variety of other leave types 156% state-matched retirement for state plans, or 101% state-matched retirement for school plans Thirteen paid holidays per year Essential Functions Responds to inquiries and provides consultative services and technical assistance to school districts, ESUs, service providers, and parents related to Special Education, implementation of the Improving Learning for Children with Disabilities (ILCD) process, interpretations of laws and regulations, emerging topics, and other Special Education services. Conducts district compliance monitoring for schools and school age programs, and assists districts with the collection and analysis of data used in the ILCD process. Assists with preparation and submission of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) State and Annual Performance Plans. Supports training regarding data usage, and assists with development and delivery of training. Provides support and guidance to school districts and ESUs related to Special Education finance and arranging and conducting training activities. Assists with district funding allocations, conducting fiscal reviews, and determining training needs. Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings. Working Conditions and Travel: This position requires approximately 50% of work time spent in an office environment; the remainder is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as schools, educational service units, and other service agencies. There is also approximately five days of overnight travel per month. Requirements / Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in the field of education or related subject area, one year of successful preK-12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79-807. NOTE: A Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per 92 NAC 21 must be possessed by the time the candidate begins employment at the Nebraska Department of Education and an active certificate maintained while in the Education Specialist position. Substitution: Bachelor’s degree in education or equivalent Master of Arts in Teaching per 92 NAC 21, three years of successful preK-12 teaching or school administration experience in an approved or accredited Nebraska school or equivalent teaching or school administration experience in another state or country, and eligible for/possess a current Nebraska Teaching or Administrative Certificate per §79- 807. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Education and at least three years of successful preK-12 experience in special education. Special Education endorsement. This position is federally funded and may be governed by the Federal Hatch Act. Click here to review the Act. If you have any questions about this posting or working at NDE, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: Benefits We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation. Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: Equal Opportunity Statement The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics. We are seeking talented individuals to join our team in careers that make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. Once you've had the opportunity to explore our current open positions, apply for those of interest to you. Click here for a video tutorial. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io for additional support. Check back on your candidate profile to see the status of your submitted applications, as well as any new postings that might interest you! Thank you for your interest in joining our team! State Government is one of the largest and most diverse employers in Nebraska. Whether it's helping a vulnerable child, advancing public health, making highways safer, or preserving our natural resources, the work we do matters!