JOB TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISOR 

JOB CODE: 20240

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Special Education Advisor and Manager job series describes work in the evaluation of special education programs and services.

DEFINITION: This is professional educational and administrative work in the review and evaluation of special education programs and services for conformance with state and federal requirements; the provision of advisory services in the development, improvement, and expansion of special education plans; and the provision of advisory assistance to state and local educational organizations.

An employee in this job is responsible for developing, monitoring, and evaluating programs and plans for exceptional children to ensure consistency with current developments in the field of special education; for adherence to and implementation of state and federal laws and regulations; and for providing advisory services to education agencies related to the State Performance Plan. Work involves establishing, monitoring, or expanding special education plans to meet current and projected educational and occupational needs of students throughout their educational career; encouraging, facilitating, and assisting special education planning units to develop and operate state and federally funded programs consistent with the state plan for special education; and organizing and coordinating in-service training sessions, conferences, and workshops to promote the use of new teaching methods, techniques, equipment, and the extension of services for exceptional children. Work also includes facilitating technical assistance in special education with regard to state and federal regulations, rules, and laws; and coordinating the efforts of special education staff personnel at the intermediate unit and school district levels toward goals consistent with the needs of children with disabilities based on each child’s Individualized Education Program. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed through conferences and by analysis of results and written reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Provides assistance to local education agencies, intermediate units, charter schools, planning units and other state agencies in the development, monitoring, and evaluation of state and federally funded special education programs for conformance with the state plan and state and federal rules and regulations.

• Conducts evaluations and reviews of federally funded programs in a designated area to determine program effectiveness and appropriate use of funds.

• Develops and reviews regulations and standards for the establishment and operation of quality special education programs across the state.

• Provides comprehensive special education consultant services to planning units, local education agencies, intermediate units, charter schools, advisory committees, and approved private schools in the planning, expansion, monitoring, improvement, and evaluation of special education programs, services, and activities.

• Provides advice and assistance in the interpretation of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to exceptional persons.

• Investigates parental complaints and appeals to determine validity and if schools are meeting students’ needs.

• Writes and implements procedures for in-service programs in compliance with federal laws and regulations.

• Provides recommendations, guidance, and leadership in special education to field consultants and teacher education personnel.

• Plans, conducts, and participates in professional conferences, in-service training sessions, workshops, and seminars on the local, state, regional and national level in the area of special education.

• Reviews new and expanded special education course applications for approval in accordance with regulations, standards, and guidelines for special education.

• Facilitates the use of new teaching methods, techniques, and equipment for the education of exceptional children.

• Cooperates with county and district officials, other educational specialists, and representatives from other state agencies working in the field to provide program leadership and coordination.

• Performs liaison activities with public and private organizations who request information and assistance on federally funded programs for students with disabilities between the ages of 3-21.

• Recommends approval or disapproval of proposals submitted from the public or private sector for the utilization of federal funds.

• Reads, assimilates, and answers questions about state and federal programs on exceptional children.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Special Education.

• Knowledge of state and federal legislation and regulations affecting special education.

• Knowledge of different teaching methods and techniques in special education.

• Knowledge of current literature, materials, equipment, research, and new developments in special education.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to evaluate administrative plans for cogency, brevity, and compliance with established standards.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

• Ability to direct and manage efforts to initiate, complete, and expedite federal and state grant applications regarding special education.

• Ability to organize, develop, and conduct workshops, conferences and training sessions for teachers, school administrators, guidance specialists, and others involved in special education.

• Ability to facilitate the adoption and use of new teaching methods, curriculum materials, developments, and techniques in special education.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Five years of professional experience in special education including two years as an administrator of a special education program;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes two years as an administrator of a special education program.