Project Manager, Special Education Personnel

Job Posting Title

Project Manager, Special Education Personnel

Agency

265 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Supervisory Organization

Department of Education-Oliver Hodge Education Building

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

$60,000-$70,000

Discover the Benefits of Joining Our Team! Are you ready to take the next step in your career with an agency that values your well-being? Look no further! At OSDE, we're proud to offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family every step of the way.

• Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or dependent care with ease.
• Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher's Retirement System participation.
• Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
• Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
• Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and vendors.
• Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
• Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

Job Description

ABOUT US

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs - we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve. If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at Oklahoma.gov/education

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Project Manager for Special Education Personnel will oversee the development and implementation of strategies to enhance special education services and certification pathways throughout the state. This position focuses on supporting certification pathways, micro-credentials, professional development, promoting program effectiveness based on evidence-based research of teaching methodologies, formal writing of legal guidance documents, and collaborating with various stakeholders such as, educators, parents, district level personnel to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Please note: This role is field based and requires traveling across Oklahoma to provide in-person professional development, including participating in committees and stakeholder meetings to provide supports of interpreting and implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in special education, education administration, school psychology/psychometry, or a related field required;
• Five (5) years experience working with students with disabilities, as a special education director, service provider, general education teacher, or a special education teacher;
• Possession of a valid Special Education teacher, school psychometry/school psychology, or speech-language pathology certificate;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Specialized knowledge and/or training in the area of special education certification pathways Dyslexia
• Specialized knowledge and/or training in the area of specially designed instruction for academics and behavior interventions;
• Knowledge of adult learning theory and methods;
• Experience providing professional development at the district level, as well as virtual training sessions;
• Ability to plan/coordinate/lead meetings and state-wide conferences;
• Ability to respond promptly to emails and phone calls regarding special education inquiries with accuracy and fidelity;
• Ability to maintain organization of multiple projects at one time and ensure accuracy across platforms;
• Knowledge of IDEA federal regulations and the ability to converse regarding special education policies, procedures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship;
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;
• Must possess a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Knowledge & Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal special education laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related state regulations. Understanding of compliance requirements for educational programming and special education services. Understanding of the various certification pathways and micro-credentials for special education teachers, related service providers, and support employees in the field of special education.
• Professional Development: Develop, deliver, and disseminate professional development materials. Provide training sessions, workshops, and technical assistance to educators, administrators, and other stakeholders to promote effective special education practices.
• Program Support and Consultation: Offer ongoing technical assistance to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to support program effectiveness and the integration of special education into general education systems. Consult with public and private agencies to establish, expand, and improve special education programs. Evaluate and approve plans and applications for special education programs to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve on professional committees and participate in workshops, meetings, and conferences with parents, educators, and administrators. Promote understanding of special education by interpreting relevant rules, regulations, and best practices to various interest groups.
• Collaboration and Advocacy: Collaborate with educators, administrators, and external organizations to identify and implement evidence-based practices in special education. Disseminate innovative ideas, methods, and materials to stakeholders across the state.
• Leadership and Team Participation: Lead and participate in teams focused on special education services and programming. Contribute expertise to initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge Application: Apply considerable knowledge of proven special education techniques, methods, and practices. Stay informed about current trends and sources of information in the fields of special education and educational psychology. Utilize understanding of educational assessments, including individual educational and psychological tests, to support program evaluations and decision-making.
• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.
• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.
• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.
• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

• Effective Communication: Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.
• Decisive Planning: Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism seeking constructive outcomes.
• Visionary Thinking: Envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.
• Adaptability: Thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.
• Accountability: Takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.
• Team Building: Builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.
• Results Orientation: Drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.
• Technology Proficiency: Identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location: Home Office

• Work Environment includes:

• Office Setting: Climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise; the employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.

• Physical Demands include:

• Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time;

• Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, and office telephone 75% of the time;

• Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;

• Ability to lift to 25 lbs.

• Cognitive Requirements:

• This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.

• Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.

• Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.

TRAVEL

20% in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

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