Education Specialist: Evaluation and Compliance

Reports To: Director of Special Programs

Salary:  This is a full-time, twelve (12) month position at 232 days with a salary range from $81,352 to $88,729.00. This is a grant-funded position and continued employment is contingent upon grant renewal.

Job Summary (Primary Purpose): 
Provide technical assistance and professional development to ESC Region 13 clients in the areas of IDEA child find, student evaluation, compliance and other areas of the child-centered education process including SPPI 11 &12. Provide technical assistance to campuses in the area of IDEA evaluation and assessment of students as well as the ARD process.  Participate in the Child Find and Early to Exit IEP Technical Assistance Team and serve as the Region 13 Legal Framework Representative.

Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Education/Certificates):

• Current Licensure: Licensed Specialist in School Psychology or Current Certification in Educational Diagnostician
• Recent experience, five years minimum, working in a school district or state agency evaluating a variety of student disabilities.
• Extensive knowledge of best practices in student evaluation and the ability to create meaningful professional development content.
• Knowledge of and experience in leading the ARD process.
• Experience monitoring district or agency compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and rules related to special education.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Education/Certificates):
Experience leading or supervising evaluation personnel

Major Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Serve as a representative of ESC Region 13, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration and discretion in all interactions with other members of the educational community and with the public
• Support evaluation personnel in LEAs across the region to ensure the development of evaluations that meet Federal and State guidelines using appropriate and ethical best practices.
• Support ARD Managers in the LEAs across the region to ensure the development of compliant IEPs.
• Plan, lead, and facilitate related services meetings for evaluation staff and ARD managers.
• Develop and conduct presentations and training for small and large groups, contract and negotiate with outside consultants regarding needed training, and evaluate training activities using appropriate data collection and analysis procedures
• Serve as a contact for requirements related to state and federal laws, regulations, and rules.
• Collaborate with other ESC Region 13 staff to ensure well-articulated and coordinated services
• Collaborate with other ESC 13 student evaluation staff in the area of evaluation and assessment of student learning needs
• Provide up-to-date information to LEAs regarding developments, initiative, and priorities at the federal, state, and regional levels
• Collaborate with ESC Region 13 teams to improve student performance and meet the established goals and objectives of ESC Region 13 and the TEA
• Perform other duties as assigned

Budget Responsibilities:

• Plan activities and manage associated budget from grant funds

Working Conditions (Physical/Mental Demands & Environmental Factors):

• Fast-paced office environment with competing demands
• Follow policies and procedures
• Self-directed work
• Visits to clients within region 13
• Frequent interruptions
• Extensive reading and writing
• Prolonged or irregular hours
• Maintain emotional control
• Maintain effective relationships
• Light lifting and carrying (up to 20 pounds)

Equipment Used:

• Proficiency with a variety of technology
• Proficiency with PC computers including desktop management, operations, and working in a network environment
• Proficiency with standard functions of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Proficiency with Canvas LMS, multimedia, and editing software for the development of online courses and resources
• General office equipment to include copiers, scanners, and video conferencing equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills that may be required.