PROGRAM SPECIALIST IV-DOE - 48003696 1

Job Description This position is assigned to the Dispute Resolution and Monitoring (DRM) section of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS). This position primarily conducts state complaint investigations related to compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Additionally, this position assists with the State Performance Plan, Dispute Resolution, and Monitoring. The position provides technical assistance with exceptional education, regarding compliance with Federal and State requirements in accordance with IDEA. Duties & Responsibilities Dispute Resolution Conducts investigations for state complaint inquiries Tracks district corrective actions and provides technical assistance to support timely correction of noncompliance Reviews on an ongoing basis state and federal laws, regulations, hearings, court cases or case law, and policy interpretations pertaining to the education of students with disabilities and students in gifted education for the purpose of ensuring the dissemination of accurate information to school districts and parents Assists with the resolution of disagreements between parents and school districts by facilitating mediation, communicating, providing information, and by using a variety of problem‑solving techniques and alternative resolution options Provides technical assistance related to state-sponsored mediation and due process hearings Maintains or reviews appropriate records for trend data Assists with data analysis and reporting related to dispute resolution Assists other sections as related to their expertise State Performance Plan Collaborates with other Bureau staff as a team leader/participant on State Performance Plan (SPP) indicator team(s) Demonstrates a thorough understanding and knowledge of the indicator measurement, related data, improvement activities, and SPP/Annual Performance Report (APR) calendar In the context of team activities, reviews indicator data to evaluate progress and slippage and design/evaluate improvement activities Monitoring Coordinates/conducts monitoring activities related to assigned districts in accordance with the Bureau’s monitoring system, which may include on‑site visits to school districts, the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, correctional facilities, juvenile justice facilities, and other agencies to determine compliance with state and federal regulations Maintains or reviews appropriate records for trend data Tracks district corrective actions and provides technical assistance to support timely correction of noncompliance Produces timely and accurate written reports of monitoring activities Supports the development and implementation of the Bureau’s web‑based General Supervision monitoring system Assists other sections as related to their expertise Legal Proficiency Remains abreast of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to exceptional students and of policy interpretations held by the USDOE and the FLDOE Participates in or coordinates the development, dissemination, and tracking of the Exceptional Student Education Policies and Procedures (P&P) document Assists in the revision of State Board of Education rules to ensure conformity with state statute and federal legal provisions Analyzes legislative bill proposals for potential impact on exceptional student education policies, procedures, and programs Participates in or coordinates the annual updating of Exceptional Student Education Compliance Manual Technical Assistance Develops and provides technical assistance, support, and information related to exceptional student education compliance and regulations through written and oral communication with parents, school districts, and other agency staff Collaborates with other Bureau and/or department staff through workgroups and special assignments to assist districts in assigned area(s) of expertise Provides technical, information and support to ESE programs through the integration and analysis of available data, including the results of compliance monitoring, district‑specific information in P&P documents, dispute resolution data, and district performance data Develops and/or revises technical assistance documents, as assigned Who We’re Looking For The ideal incumbent must be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal‑directed behavior and performance sometimes under stressful conditions. The incumbent must interact courteously with others. The performance and behavior of all employees must demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of the unity. Attendance is an essential function of this position. Minimum Qualifications Ability to understand and apply Federal regulations and State rules Ability to communicate effectively including verbal and written communication Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel Ability to manage multiple competing tasks in a timely manner Preferred Qualifications Preference will be given to applicants who have excellent communication and writing skills and experience working with students with disabilities and/or experience conducting legal research and investigations. Educational Substitutions SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or University in Education or; Related work experience may not substitute for any licensure, certification, or registration required by an agency and indicated in the advertised job description. Education Bureau of Exceptional Education & Student Services Mission Statement: The Bureau of Exceptional Education & Student Services administers programs for students with disabilities. Additionally, the bureau coordinates student services throughout the state and participates in multiple inter‑agency efforts designed to strengthen the quality and variety of services available to eligible students with disabilities. Benefits State Group Insurance coverage options Retirement plan options, including employer contributions Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year Annual and Sick Leave Benefits Student Loan Forgiveness Program ( Eligibility required ) Flexible Spending Accounts Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities) Ongoing comprehensive training provided Career Growth Highly skilled, professional environment Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits Leave Information Annual Leave - All full‑time Career Service employees filling established positions earn annual leave in varying increments dependent upon years of creditable service. Employees with up to 5 years of creditable service earn 8.667 hours per month, with 5 to 10 years earn 10.833 hours per month and those with over 10 years of service earn 13 hours per month. Employees in Senior Management Service and Selected Exempt Service positions are credited with 176 hours of annual leave upon appointment. In subsequent years, the annual allotment is credited on the anniversary date of the initial appointment. Sick Leave - Career Service employees earn 8.667 hours of sick leave credits per month Background Screening Requirement It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. No applicant for a designated position will be employed, contracted or permitted to volunteer until the level 2 screening results are received, reviewed, and approved by the Department. Level 2 background screening shall include, but not be limited to, finger printing for all purposes and checks under this requirement, statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement. Selective Service System (SSS) and Requirement Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire. Veterans’ Preference Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Florida