EDUCATION PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST 3 SPECIAL EDUCATION

Definition

Under general direction of a manager or supervisory official in a State Department, supervises the design, production, and delivery of Special Education curricula, training, program improvement, and related education services to education agencies to ensure the achievement of mandated goals and to meet existing and emerging needs; performs mandated regulatory functions; performs work of considerable difficulty and works with a high level of independence in the monitoring and evaluation of education programs in school districts statewide; does related work.

Examples of work

• Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates.
• Supervises the development, evaluation, and/or monitoring of local and state instructional programs and recommends program changes for approval.
• Consults with local school district staff, and based on evaluation findings, provides technical assistance to implement plans for improving instructional programming.
• Designs and implements procedures and instrumentation for the ongoing assessment of local district staff training and instructional program needs.
• In cooperation with county offices or regional units, develops and conducts training activities for staff employed in education agencies.
• Develops programmatic guidelines in the areas of curricula and instructional materials.
• Consults with local program staff and provides technical assistance in the development and implementation of improved curricular/instructional materials and methods.
• Reviews educational programs and recommends approval, disapproval, or modification of funding levels.
• Reviews annual program plans, applications for funds, and final reports, and recommends acceptance, modification, or disapproval.
• Is responsible for designing guidelines for funding and/or contracting with state, county, and local agencies for programs and/or services.
• In cooperation with other department units and other state departments, develops cooperative projects and programs.
• Reviews monthly and annual reports and writes reports and recommendations pertaining to program effectiveness and efficiency.
• Reviews research, literature, and legislation and consults with experts in the discipline(s) to ascertain current and future trends in curricular area(s) of responsibility.
• Develops technical aspects of legislation or administrative code and evaluates proposed legislation or administrative code for technical accuracy and compliance with current trends in the area of specialization.
• Participates in funding decisions and monitors the approved funding plan.
• Provides guidance and training to other staff as needed.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Special Education or a field related to Special Education, as determined by the appointing authority.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in a school district or other educational institution in programs providing Special Education.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of educational theories, curriculum development, and instructional methods and techniques applicable to special education programs.
• Knowledge of current education programming and program funding.
• Knowledge of methods used to develop and train education staff.
• Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices in educational testing and measurement.
• Knowledge of effective approaches to needs assessment.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to elementary and secondary education programs.
• Knowledge of instruction materials and assessment tools used in elementary, secondary, or adult education programs.
• Knowledge of state and local budgetary procedures.
• Knowledge of the area of professional specialization, including current practices, historical perspective, and future trends.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, codes, and regulations governing curricular area(s) of specialization.
• Knowledge of supervisory techniques.
• Ability to develop, implement, and manage preservice and inservice staff training programs.
• Ability to plan and develop curricular/instructional programming.
• Ability to interface with community groups, school district professional staff, and other professionals.
• Ability to provide leadership and planning assistance to local programs.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to assess problems in education and implement plans to resolve them.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who possess a master's degree which is not in special Education or a related field may substitute a NJ educational certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners and/or other professional endorsement in Special Education, as Teacher of the Handicapped, Learning Disabilities Consultant, School Psychologist, School Social Worker, or certification in a related field as determined by the appointing authority.