Special Education Program Specialist (2026/27 School Year)

Sage Oak Charter Schools•Redlands, CA

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the senior director of special education or designee, the program specialist supports the operations of the special education department and the general education departments within areas related to special education. This role involves supporting the director and assistant director in executing the department's shared vision, staying current on educational laws and trends, and acting as a legal expert for the department/program. The specialist will also assist with budget tracking, conduct evaluations for department staff, provide direction and coaching, and facilitate corrective action processes. Collaboration with other departments for training needs and developing innovations for school growth and sustainability are key aspects of this position. Additionally, the role involves engaging with staff, families, and the community, attending meetings and IEP meetings, and supporting general education teachers in special education. The specialist will coordinate curricular resources, assist in evaluating program effectiveness, and serve as a resource for instructional materials. They will also develop processes for tracking student services and compliance with special education laws, and may attend/consult during Student Success Team (SST) and 504 meetings. Case management of a group of students and providing services during normal business hours are also expected, with the ability to service students in-home if necessary. The role includes oversight responsibilities for various departmental staff such as Special Education Teachers, School Psychologist, Speech and Language Pathologists, and others. Other duties include responding to communication within specified timeframes and resolving escalated issues in alignment with core values and school policies.

Requirements

A valid, current, Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe level 2 California state teaching credential, speech-language pathology services credential or pupil personnel services credential required.
State and federal fingerprint clearance (LiveScan) to work with students (Ed. Code 44237).
Proof of a clear TB Tine test or signed Certificate of Completion dated within the last 60 days (Ed. Code 49406) upon employment and thereafter updated every four years.
Hold and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance, and full time use of a dependable automobile that is insured pursuant to California regulations.
Knowledge of identification procedure and special education assessment.
Knowledge of development of an instructional program to meet identified needs.
Knowledge of systematic method of utilizing referrals of pupils from teachers, parents, agencies and appropriate persons.
Knowledge of how to interpret assessments of developmental status and education need of students.
Maintains knowledge of current laws and regulations pertaining to special education and individuals with disabilities.
General knowledge of database software, how to use the internet to find information and complete tasks, email usage, order processing systems, spreadsheet software, and word processing software.
Well developed, clear communication and interpersonal skills that maintain a respectful, professional and courteous manner.
Conflict resolution skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Maintains integrity at all times.
Works independently with little direction.
Maintains developed, clear communication and interpersonal skills that maintain a respectful, professional, and courteous manner.
Maintains flexible and adaptable mindset.
Demonstrates sensitivity to individual differences and cultural backgrounds.
Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
Follows established procedures and meets all established deadlines.
Exercise initiative.
Serve the staff, student and parent's needs to the best of his/her ability without allowing his/her own convenience to interfere.
Proactive understands the needs of the school and takes steps toward meeting those needs with little support and guidance.
Prevents problems by planning ahead and anticipating outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Administration and/or supervision experience desired.
Three years successful experience as a special education teacher or related services provider desired.
A relevant Master’s degree related to the position desired.
A valid, current, and appropriate California state Administrative Services Credential or enrolled in an Administrative Services Credential Program.

Responsibilities

Supports the director and assistant director in executing the department's shared vision.
Stays current on educational laws and trends that pertain to the department.
Supports the director and assistant director as the legal expert for the department/program as needed.
Supports the tracking, monitoring, and maintenance of specific budget items as assigned.
Conducts evaluations for department staff as assigned and oversees and assists with evaluative process for teaching staff and related services providers as assigned.
Provides support, direction and coaching to department staff as assigned.
Facilitates the corrective action process for all assigned department staff, as needed, by following the schools' corrective action process.
Collaborates with supervisor to set individual professional goals/actions that are in alignment with schoolwide goals.
Develops a plan to execute and achieve those goals.
Collaborates with other departments to ensure the training needs of all staff are supported.
Supports the director and assistant director in the development and delivery of meeting and training topics.
Constructively and concisely responds to staff questions.
Develops innovations that will support the schools’ growth and needs and promote sustainability and longevity within the department.
Determines department needs and proactively develops solutions using creative problem solving and a high level of customer service to the larger community, staff and students.
Supports director and assistant director with policies, procedures and department manuals to ensure alignment with school goals and current laws.
Supports the director and assistant director with the hiring of quality department staff and works collaboratively with human resources to follow school policy and procedure.
Develops a strong presence, collaborative relationship, and engaged connectivity with staff and families, and the larger community through both in-person and virtual means.
Attends meetings and conferences as needed.
Attends IEP Meetings as assigned.
Supports, trains, and delegates work to education specialists and related services providers.
Trains and supports general education teachers in the area of special education.
Supports staff to prepare for complex IEP meetings that deal with eligibility, change of placement, dismissals, interim placements, additional assessments, and re-evaluations as necessary.
Plans programs, coordinates curricular resources, and assists in evaluating the effectiveness of programs for individuals with exceptional needs.
Provides coordination, consultation, and program development.
Coordinates, assists and serves as a member, or as a designee for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
Responsible for monitoring curriculum, materials, and methodology in his/her area(s) of expertise.
Serves as a resource in the identification, selection, and use of instructional materials.
Attends meetings, conferences, and professional development trainings.
Conducts research to support or update current school policies and develop new policies.
Supports the partnering with a comprehensive list of community providers in order to provide services to students in all areas of need and in all geographic areas the school serves.
Develops processes, protocols, procedures and methods for tracking student services, paperwork, and timelines to ensure compliance with education and special education laws.
Attends and provides consultation during Student Success Team (SST) and 504 meetings as requested by the education services coordinator.
Case manages a group of students.
Services students during normal business hours unless prior approval has been extended by supervisor.
Ability to service students in-home, if necessary.
Supports in the oversight of the following departmental staff, including but not limited to: Special Education Teachers, School Psychologist, Speech and Language Pathologists, Speech and Language Pathology Assistant, Behavior Specialist, School Social Worker, Adapted Physical Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals.
Responds to non-urgent communication within 24 school hours and urgent communication within two school hours.
Resolves escalated employee, parent, and student issues in alignment with core values and ensuring compliance with the school’s Uniform Complaint Policy; the school’s Uniform Technology Policy; and the provisions of California Penal Code Section 11166 (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act).
Performs other duties as assigned.