Special Education School Improvement Specialist (03402)

State of Montana • Helena, MT

21d • Remote

About The Position

The Special Education School Improvement Specialist ensures that Montana school districts and cooperatives implement special education programs in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Montana Administrative Rules (ARM), and applicable state and federal laws. This position plays a critical role in the oversight of the State’s General Supervision System. Key responsibilities include conducting monitoring activities, providing training and technical assistance, and supporting continuous improvement activities of local education agencies (LEAs)to ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).The Special Education School Improvement Specialist works collaboratively with local education agencies (LEAs), families, and internal OPI staff to identify noncompliance, support corrective action, and strengthen systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of IDEA and special education processes (e.g., IEPs, evaluations, eligibility, discipline, transition).
• Ability to interpret and apply special education statutes, regulations, and policy.
• Strong understanding/background in K-12 education
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Analyzes, interprets and summarizes information accurately and clearly
• Strong operational, project, and time management skills
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines while demonstrating accuracy, attention to detail, perseverance
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team to ensure complex processes are followed.
• Ability to effectively present technical and complex information to various audiences
• Proficiency to develop written materials and internal content with attention to details
• Treating co-workers, supervisor and others with respect
• Respectfully works as a team member effectively, resolving conflicts effectively, seeking improvement in oneself and profession, and accepting changes as expectations, duties, and work directions evolve
• Positively interacts and builds relationships with colleagues and other educators through active listening and demonstrating familiarity with educational issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in education.
• Three years’ experience in education learning, professional development, research, design and practice, curriculum and classroom assessment development, instructional practices or related arears.
• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted.

Responsibilities

• Conducting monitoring activities
• Providing training and technical assistance
• Supporting continuous improvement activities of local education agencies (LEAs)to ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE)
• Works collaboratively with local education agencies (LEAs), families, and internal OPI staff to identify noncompliance, support corrective action, and strengthen systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

What This Job Offers

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