Education Specialist III

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

9d•$56,264 - $83,762•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides an opportunity to use your special education experience at the state level to influence policy, practice, and outcomes for students with disabilities across Maine. As part of the Department’s Special Education Birth–22 General Supervision System and the OSSIE team, you’ll work with local, state, and federal partners to support the planning, development, coordination, and evaluation of statewide special education programs, with a focus on monitoring, compliance, technical assistance, professional development, and program improvement. The work is varied and requires someone who can analyze complex issues, collaborate effectively, and turn federal and state requirements into practical solutions for the field. This is a professional opportunity to work alongside school districts, educators, and other partners to strengthen systems and support inclusive education for students with disabilities. If you’re looking for a role where your special education experience can have a broader impact across Maine, this is a great opportunity.

Requirements

Knowledge of education administration and teaching methods and materials, educational organizational structure and operations.
Knowledge of special education’s relationship to access general education addressing Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Knowledge of state and federal special education laws, rules and regulations.
Knowledge of evidence-based practices and solutions as it applies to special education.
Demonstrated experience with students of disabilities of various ages.
Ability to plan and organize educational programs.
Ability to supervise subordinate personnel.
Ability to make effective presentations.
Ability to use technology effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written plans.
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports.
A Bachelors Degree in Education or required specialty/substance area and four (4) years professional level experience in required specialty/subject area.
A Masters Degree in Education or required specialty/subject area may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience and/or advanced education in special education, particularly experience in Preschool-12 special education.

Responsibilities

Plans and develops comprehensive educational programs in a specific specialty/subject area in order to ensure compliance with federal and state legislative intent or identified educational need.
Plans, organizes, assigns, and directs the work activities of subordinate professional staff in order to facilitate the attainment of the unit's work goals and to ensure the consistent application of program and technical policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Confers with and counsels subordinate staff in order to exchange information, identify problems, and formulate possible solutions.
Reviews and evaluates federal and state grant applications in order to approve grants or recommend changes.
Consults with school superintendents and school committees in order to determine most effective use of available funds.
Coordinates programs of vocational and technical education at secondary and post-secondary school and adult levels in order to ensure programs are made available.
Coordinates and consults with teacher education institutions in order to ensure pre and in-service training is available.
Advises Commissioner in order to provide information regarding specialty/subject area.
Organizes and instructs workshops for local school administrators and teachers in order to provide specialty/subject area information.
Identifies goals and objectives in specialty/subject area in order to assess program.
Consults with school administrators and teachers on specialty/subject area matters in order to provide guidance and technical assistance.