Special Education Program Specialist

Special Education Program Specialist

Under the guidance of the Director of Special Education (DSE), the Program Specialist will support a portfolio of 3-5 schools to achieve outcomes for special education students. Program Specialists provide coaching, consultation and guidance to school-based administration teams (i.e. School Leaders, Special Education Manager, etc.) in order to drive equitable and compliant special education programs and services at their assigned school sites and across the KIPP SoCal Region. Ideal candidates are passionate about meeting the needs of all students, have deep functional knowledge and expertise working in special education, and have a "make it happen" attitude.

The Opportunity

• Manage a portfolio of 3-5 schools to implement effective special education services and programs that lead to strong academic and behavioral achievement outcomes for ALL students
• Analyze, respond to, and communicate special education student group data to key stakeholders with clarity and urgency
• Use data-driven approaches to develop, monitor, and improve specialized programs across the region
• Champion compliance at schools by evaluating IEPs, 504 plans, behavior intervention plans, and collaborating with school site leadership teams to ensure that these resources support student achievement and are implemented with fidelity
• Manage & Coach Regional Case Managers to meet compliance goals and trauma-informed IEP practices
• Create and deliver practice-based professional development to improve student services systems and structures at the regional and school level
• Consult and assist school-based teams with identifying appropriate least restrictive environment (LRE) placements on the continuum of services
• Lead and develop school-based leaders' expertise in the areas of academic/behavior intervention, compliance, and talent development
• Drive the development of the Special Education Managers through weekly check-ins, data reviews, and school visits (focused on instructional walkthroughs, co-observations, coaching, etc.)
• Expand the School Leader's knowledge of special education through bi-weekly check-ins and targeted support on how to develop the Special Education team members.
• Lead monthly Student Service Team meetings & participate in PBIS meetings
• Member of the KIPP SoCal Special Education Leadership Team

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning is required; a master's degree with an emphasis in special education is highly preferred
• Valid California credential for Level I or Level II Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate with Autism Authorization or Moderate/Severe) credential is required
• Minimum of 4 years of highly effective teaching and case management experience demonstrating a strong track record of student performance gains for students with special needs
• Leadership and coaching experience required (e.g. providing instructional coaching, hiring, and directly managing and evaluating adults)
• Knowledge of LAUSD special education policy and Welligent and SEIS preferred

Additional Information

• Working at an organization committed to the hard work necessary to ensure education is for liberation
• Support and care from fellow regional team members
• Ongoing professional development and coaching from manager

Benefits and Compensation

• KIPP SoCal Public Schools offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $79,200 to $118,800 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint of $99,000 depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budget allocated for this role.
• Signing and relocation bonuses are available for this role
• 100% of healthcare premium costs covered by employer, dependents added at 50% of cost
• Employer paid KIPP SoCal life insurance
• 401(k) plan with up to 6% match by KIPP SoCal
• Voluntary Benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, Pet Insurance, etc.)
• Generous paid time off program includes 22 holidays, 10 sick days and 10 vacation days per year
• Other great benefits (Flexible spending account, EAP, etc.)

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation/gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.