Program Specialist Special Education

VOICES COLLEGE BOUND LANGUAGE ACADEMIES•San Jose, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Specialist serves as a key member of the Special Education team, supporting Education Specialists, school leaders, and related service providers to ensure instructionally effective and legally compliant special education services across the Voices network. This role provides specialized coaching, IEP compliance oversight, program development, data and systems support, and direct district-level guidance to Education Specialists enrolled in credentialing programs. The Program Specialist also serves as an LEA representative for IEP meetings and monitors the quality and compliance of special education service delivery, documentation, and SEIS data.

Requirements

Valid Clear California Education Specialist Credential.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in Special Education (teaching, case management, or related services).
Demonstrated ability to provide instructional leadership and/or coaching to educators.
Experience working with multilingual learners.
Strong knowledge of IDEA, California Education Code, and SELPA procedures.
Proficiency with SEIS or similar SPED data systems.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish
Skills to effectively provide leadership and manage the multiple requirements; understand, interpret and apply laws, policies, and guidelines that govern special education or Voices programs; communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Knowledge of Sonoma County SELPA procedures and program guidelines; special education instructional practices, procedures and methods; various testing materials, resources or equipment; behavioral and social-emotional interventions.
Working knowledge of IDEA, California special education law, charter law; IEP preparation and implementation strategies and procedures; current trends and best practices in serving special education students and appropriate referral agencies.
Abilities to supervise and motivate staff; collaborate with principals on employee management of assigned staff, conduct effective meetings and professional development activities; work effectively with students, parents and staff.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action and work independently.
Ability to use technology to; knowledge of assistive technology to enhance student learning.
Experience in training, planning and executing appropriate transition services for special education students.
First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
Cleared Criminal Background Check
Valid TB Clearance

Responsibilities

Provide cycles of SPED-specific coaching, classroom observations, and actionable feedback to Education Specialists and support staff.
Support the implementation of high-quality instruction, accommodations, modifications, and MTSS-aligned intervention for students with disabilities.
Collaborate with principals and school teams to develop strong school-based systems for progress monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive practices.
Serve as a district-level support provider for Education Specialists in credentialing programs, including guidance, observations, documentation, and coordination with preparation programs.
Serve as LEA representative for IEP meetings, as needed, ensuring meetings are lawful, student-centered, and aligned to Voices policies and SELPA guidance.
Support school teams in drafting, revising, and implementing high-quality, compliant IEPs.
Coach and support Education Specialists in case management, timelines, service delivery, and documentation.
Manage and monitor SEIS data entry, accuracy, and ongoing data integrity for assigned sites.
Conduct regular audits of IEPs, service logs, assessments, and compliance indicators; provide corrective action guidance.
Track caseloads, timelines, and service delivery to ensure adherence to IDEA, state regulations, and SELPA procedures.
Participate in the development and refinement of special education systems, protocols, and tools across the network.
Partner closely with the Director of Special Education, school leaders, and the Voices Instructional Partners team to ensure alignment of services and staffing.
Support recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and professional development of Education Specialists and related service providers.
Collaborate with families, community partners, and SELPA staff to support positive relationships and problem-solving.
Support complex or high-needs cases, including manifestation determinations, disciplinary procedures, and NPS/RTC placements when applicable.
Design and deliver SPED-related professional learning for Education Specialists, paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and leaders.
Support training in SEIS, compliance expectations, bilingual/multilingual learning needs, inclusive practices, and behavior supports.
Mentor new special education team members to ensure strong onboarding and professional growth.
Maintain knowledge of current federal/state law, instructional best practices, and research related to special education and dual-language learners.
Support families in understanding their rights, navigating services, and partnering effectively with schools.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of students, staff, and the Voices mission.