JOB TITLE: SPECIAL EDUCATION MANAGER

JOB CODE: 20260

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 responsible professional educational, administrative, and managerial work in the development, improvement, and coordination of major special education programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

An employee in this job is responsible for planning, directing, and implementing a division level program of special educational services for exceptional persons from infancy to age 21. Work involves directing, coordinating, and supervising the administration of procedural safeguards and compliance monitoring; developing and administrating diverse federal programs and special resource projects; reviewing and approving district and intermediate unit plans; or monitoring special education programs for conformance with state and federal requirements. Work also involves providing guidance to districts, intermediate units, approved schools, and others to improve services for exceptional children; directing districts, intermediate units, and other organizations and schools on financial and legal requirements relating to special education; helping schools achieve maximum utilization and proper integration of federal and state funds for special education programs; overseeing the development of responsive and flexible programs, requirements, and techniques consistent with overall departmental philosophy and goals; and meeting with members of the educational community to interpret and explain departmental policies and regulations related to educating exceptional children. Supervision is exercised over staff engaged in statewide special education planning and program evaluation, which involves the development and implementation of program policies, goals, and priorities. Work is performed with considerable independence and is subject to review through conferences, written reports, and evaluation of program results.

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.)

• Directs employees working in a major segment of the commonwealth’s special education program.

• Develops, promotes, and coordinates quality educational programs for students with special needs due to physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.

• Plans, approves, and provides leadership in the development of new programs and the extension of existing programs for the education of the exceptional child.

• Plans and directs the development of programs related to the educational adjustment of exceptional children in the educational environment.

• Directs and coordinates the development of programs designed to provide special educational instruction and related services for exceptional children.

• Oversees the regional assessment of compliance with federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to special education.

• Maximizes utilization of federal and state funds for special education programs.

• Collaborates with other agencies working in this field or with other elements of the department.

• Provides consultative and informative services to the department, the educational community, and the general public on job related aspects of special education.

• Participates in the development, determination, and implementation of program policy consistent with overall departmental goals.

• Interprets and implements departmental programs, policies, and procedures.

• Reviews, evaluates, and recommends the revision of program objectives, policies, and standards.

• Develops operational goals and methods to implement program planning policies.

• Develops and recommends budget and operational requirements.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operations and organizational requirements.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the theories and principles involved in the education of exceptional children, and in the adjustment of children with educational, physical, and psychological problems.

• Knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations governing the programs for the education of exceptional children.

• Knowledge of the current principles, practices, and developments in the field of basic education.

• Knowledge of the principles of program interpretation, development, and implementation.

• Knowledge of educational systems and the delivery of special education services.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern educational methods.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision.

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

• Ability to develop, analyze, and interpret written information such as, educational policies, legislation, and regulations.

• 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 develop innovative concepts related to special education programs.

• Ability to analyze complex educational and educationally related program questions and to make recommendations for their solution.

• Ability to develop and present recommendations for new or revised programs to address identified needs in special education areas.

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

• One year as a Special Education Advisor (commonwealth title);

or

• Six years of professional experience in the field of special education, which includes three years of experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training, which includes three years of supervisory or administrative experience in special education.