CERTIFICATION, EVALUATOR SPECIALIST

Arizona Department of Administration • Phoenix, AZ

3d • $60,000 - $62,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents. The Certification Evaluator Specialist will review and evaluate applications, official documents and records to determine if applicants meet state requirements for all certificates and endorsements. The position is responsible for issuing or denying teacher and administrator certifications and endorsements as well as completing other services such as renewals, extensions, name changes, re-evaluations and duplicates based on proper evaluations. Occasional in-state travel is required for this position. The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 15; Arizona State Board of Education Rules and Regulations relative to certification of educators in Arizona
• Policies and procedures recorded in the AZ State Personnel Manual
• Purpose, functions, and responsibilities of each subdivision of the Certification Unit, including branch offices
• Computer adaptations and applications to the certification process
• Working knowledge of the K-12 Education system including educator roles and common practices
• Considerable knowledge of state education institutions offering courses that satisfy requirements for certification and professional experience related to certification
• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, as well as the professional qualifications needed to be considered appropriately certified
• Understanding of adult presentation pedagogy to present certification requirements to LEAs
• Must demonstrate a consistently high level of attention to detail
• High quality of customer service including exhibiting outstanding telephone, evaluative, and interpersonal skills
• Effective and positive verbal and written communication
• Effectively multi-tasking, prioritizing; and acting accordingly
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and the web
• Interpret state rules and regulations pertaining to educator certification
• Respond to inquiries from the general public, assess the request and make decisions in accordance with Arizona Statute and State Board Rule
• Appropriately address difficult constituent concerns and diffuse complicated situations
• Present information to applicants/educators in a clear precise manner
• Work collaboratively with co-workers and colleagues of various professional backgrounds
• Work and operate successfully in a strong team environment
• Adjust to changing conditions or priorities and be able to follow protocol and instructions efficiently and effectively while managing multiple tasks
• Travel within the state to conduct certification on-site when needed
• Work reliably and predictably without close supervision and demonstrate a high degree of attention to detail

Nice To Haves

• A Bachelor's degree in education or related field
• Experience working in a high-demand environment
• Knowledge of A.R.S Title 15; Board rule; and/or other states’ professional education programs and certifications

Responsibilities

• Receive, evaluate and process all applications through careful analysis of college transcripts and any accompanying documents to determine if the applicant meets the necessary requirements to obtain or maintain an Arizona Certificate and/or Endorsement
• Identify deficiencies, provide technical assistance regarding certification requirements, and issue certificates or denials with a thorough written evaluation to applicants through use of the certification system
• Provide technical assistance regarding certification requirements, the website, and the certification system to applicants by way of telephone, written correspondence, and the customer service counter
• Collaborate and review appropriate documents to remain current on the educational status, rules and regulations, Title 15, and State Board of Education rules and regulations to assist in providing technical assistance regarding certification requirements
• Coordinate and execute on-site certification workshops with school districts around the state; including informational presentations to teachers and district officials on all the aspects of certification as well as the issuance of certificates to teachers and administrators
• Work collaboratively with Local Education Agencies (LEAs), Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and other units within the agency
• Train and support current and new staff members on certification rules and procedures for evaluating and processing applications

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level