Program Specialist

The Program Specialist, reporting to the Assistant Director of Student Services, serves as the lead technical expert for special education in a virtual learning environment. This critical role involves ensuring legal compliance with state and federal special education law, overseeing program implementation, and supporting staff in the delivery of high-quality services to students with disabilities. A core function is the management of high-needs, high-profile, and complex cases, including those involving attorneys and advocates, through expert guidance, facilitating Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and advising on educational placement decisions. The start date for this position is August 3, 2026 ***Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in a digital one-way interview. Please ensure you check your emails regularly, as the interview invitations will have an expiration date.*** 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. - Co…