Special Education Specialist - Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Assistive Technology

Title: Special Education Specialist - Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Assistive Technology

State Role Title: Education Coordinator II

Hiring Range: Commensurate based on qualifications and experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Ed Central Operations

Location:VDOE James Monroe Building

Agency Website:https://www.doe.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Education's Office of Instructional Services is seeking a qualified individual to provide overall leadership,
direction, and management of activities that forward the organization's mission, specifically described in the Department's strategic plan
to address the needs of all students with disabilities and other student services. This position provides highly complex special education
technical assistance across the Commonwealth of Virginia including local school divisions, Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
staff, other agencies, private facilities, and parents in the effective practices for the implementation of specially designed instruction and
other special education and related services for students with disabilities. This position supports these activities in alignment with federal
and state requirements and with a specific focus on autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and the awareness and integration
of assistive technology.
The purpose of this position includes:
• Management of state-level sub-grants and projects including project management of a state-wide autism training and technical
assistance center.
• Serving as a liaison between local school officials and multiple state-funded implementation centers and partners that implement
VDOE priorities and initiatives.
• Leadership, delivery, and supervision of professional development projects/activities for the Commonwealth, including the
identification, development, delivery, implementation, and evaluation, with the goal of systemic improvement for effective teaching,
student learning, and achievement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state regulations concerning students with disabilities, including the Every Student Succeeds
Act (ESSA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, administration and supervision of
special education programs, federal, state, and local government regulations, policies, procedures, and organizational structures, and
state agency functions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Virginia Standards of Learning and Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning and of current
research methods and evidence-based practices for curriculum and effective instructional practices for special education and
administration of special education programs in alignment with relevant federal, state, and local regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and present technical and complex information, including federal and state regulations to various audiences.
• Considerable knowledge of current issues, trends, and best practices in education related to autism spectrum disorders, intellectual
disabilities, and the use of assistive technology.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret current research and multiple sources of data within a problem-solving process to identify and analyze
complex problems related to special education and related services including deficiencies in program operation and strategies to
support the implementation of evidence-based practices and supports, progress monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented
practices to effect positive change.
• Highly developed interpersonal, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with
diverse stakeholder groups, including effective presentation of complex information to professional and lay audiences in writing and
formal and informal oral presentations.
• Working knowledge of the general principles of financial management and/or grants administration practices including federal and
state grant requirements.
• Experience in project management and considerable knowledge of project management principles to support and sustain the
implementation of statewide projects.
• Documented, successful experience in teaching students with disabilities and experience providing leadership, including supervision,
coaching, or collaborative consultation, to support the development and implementation of programming for special education and
related services at the school or division level, other educational entities, agencies, and/or organizations.
• Proficient in utilizing computer and web-based software including word processing, graphical presentation, databases, spreadsheets,
and other technology platforms for collaboration and to complete assigned responsibilities.
• Strong communication, leadership, and collaborative teaming skills; lead, manage, and coordinate effectively with colleagues and other
professionals and agencies; identify current and forecast developing trends.
• Proficiency in technical writing, data analysis, and presenting technical and complex information; ability to work independently to
develop reports, presentations, etc.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong executive functioning skills including planning, organization, flexibility, and ability to
prioritize.
• Strong ability to independently manage time and workload to meet schedules and deadlines consistently, manage multiple
assignments with critical deadlines, and adjust work schedules to meet new or emerging priorities.

Additional Considerations

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an advanced degree and current licensure in special education, administration
and supervision, and/or pupil personnel.
• Extensive experience working with programs for students with disabilities; with teachers and administrators in developing special
education programs and services; and familiarity with other agencies that provide services to children and youth with disabilities and
their families.
• Comprehensive background in special education processes spanning from evaluation and eligibility to graduation, as this position will
require instructional leadership and professional development to provide statewide direction to improve educational outcomes for
children and youth with disabilities.
-Experience in direct implementation and coaching related to effective instructional supports, communication/Augmentative and
Alternative Communication (AAC), and behavioral, social, and emotional learning are highly desired.
• State- or division-level experience managing and/or coordinating mid- to large-scale projects to support system-wide improvement
efforts preferred.
• Experience in leading teams, meeting facilitation, strategic planning, and process improvement preferred.
• Certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst, coursework leading to certification, or professional
experiences applying principles of applied behavior analysis in the school setting is preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Pursuant to Sections 2.2-3114 and 2.2-3115 of the Code of Virginia, this position has been designated as requiring you to disclose your
financial interests. Financial interests shall be disclosed as a condition of employment and thereafter as required. The mechanism you
will use to disclose these interests is called Statement of Economic Interests.

A résumé will be accepted in lieu of a completed state application. Applications submitted via e-mail, postal service, fax or hand-delivered will not be considered. Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check. Commonwealth of Virginia employees may have teleworking options available. Final teleworking agreements will be reviewed and approved upon hire.
Commonwealth's Alternate Hiring Process:
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to prove their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs.cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process. For assistance call: (804) 225-2021, [TTY: 786-8389]

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. The Virginia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

Contact Information

Name: Lexi Tate

Phone: 804-750-8730

Email: alexia.tate@doe.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.