Program Specialist

Requirements
Essential Responsibilities

IEP Facilitation & Case Management

Facilitates IEP meetings across all disability categories, including complex and contentious cases involving disagreements among families, the school, attorneys, and/or advocates.
Serves as a lead IEP facilitator, under the Assistant Director of Student Services, for high-needs, high-profile, or legally sensitive cases, ensuring procedurally compliant and student-centered meetings.
Oversees the development of legally compliant IEPs.
Monitors and tracks IEP timelines to ensure compliance.
Develops and implements systems and protocols to ensure consistent, compliant IEP practices across the organization.

Case Oversight

Oversight and coordination for students with complex cases, including those with significant behavioral, medical, or academic challenges.
Collaborates with stakeholders to develop and monitor the IEP process.
Serves as the school’s liaison for cases involving outside attorneys, parent advocates, and other legal representatives, coordinating communications and documentation.
Coordinates and oversees non-public school (NPS) and residential treatment center (RTC) referrals.
Leads or assists in due process hearings, mediations, resolution meetings, and compliance complaints; works closely with legal counsel in preparing responses and documentation.
Escalates high-risk legal or compliance matters to the Assistant Director as appropriate while maintaining primary coordination of case management.

Educational Placement Decisions

Leads analysis and recommendations for educational placement decisions for students with disabilities in alignment with IEP team recommendations, LRE requirements, and SPED continuum options.
Evaluates the appropriateness of placement options in the virtual school environment and makes recommendations for students requiring more restrictive settings.
Consults with all stakeholders regarding appropriate program options and services.
Ensures the effective implementation of special education services in a virtual learning environment, including monitoring engagement, service delivery, and access to the curriculum.

Compliance, Monitoring & Technical Assistance

Monitors compliance with state and federal special education requirements, including IDEA, California Education Code, and SELPA Local Plan obligations.
Provides technical assistance and guidance to administrators, teachers, and related service providers on special education procedures, laws, and best practices.
Assists in responding to CDE monitoring, compliance complaints, and other accountability processes; coordinates corrective action plans as needed.
Maintains accurate records and documentation in the IEP management system (SEIS) and ensures data integrity and timely reporting.

Professional Learning & Staff Support

Develops and delivers professional learning opportunities for staff on evidence-based practices, IEP development, and special education law.
Coaches and supports all staff in SPED implementation in the online environment.
Collaborates with the special education team to develop and update policies, procedures, and resource documents.
Serves as a resource to families, staff, and community partners regarding special education rights, procedures, and available services.
Builds staff capacity to independently implement compliant and effective IEP practices.
Supervises designated staff in accordance with the direction of the Assistant Director of Student Services

Knowledge & Skills

Federal and California special education law and SELPA operations.
IEP development, assessment procedures, eligibility criteria, timelines, and placement considerations across the continuum of services.
Legal compliance requirements, due process procedures, and alternative dispute resolution practices.
Data management and analysis systems, including SEIS and CALPADS.

Skills and Abilities

Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal and procedural information clearly to diverse audiences.
Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills with students, families, staff, administrators, attorneys, and outside agencies.
Ability to manage multiple complex cases simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education or School Psychology, or a closely related field required.
Valid California Administrative Services Credential strongly preferred or proof of enrollment in California Administrative Services Credential program
Education Specialist Credential or PPS Credential strongly preferred.

Experience

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in special education
Minimum of two (2) years of administrative or leadership experience in special education, or a comparable role preferred.
Significant experience in special education case management and IEP development
Experience leading teams, facilitating cross-functional collaboration, or providing program-level oversight in special education