Program Specialist - Special Education

Program Specialist - Special Education South San Francisco, CA Job Details Full-time $119,326 - $159,903 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Behavior management for students with special needs Computer operation Community engagement Professional collaboration in IEP development Strategic management Teacher collaboration Professional development facilitation in schools Overseeing educational regulatory compliance Childhood development Working with individuals with disabilities 5 years Strategic planning in education Master's degree in special education Public speaking Compliance audits & assessments Student performance data analysis Master's degree School legal knowledge Supervising experience Bachelor's degree Instructional leadership in education Teacher coaching Driving Overseeing academic personnel management Conflict management Master's degree in educational leadership Working with students with special education needs Special Education Academic program coordination Senior level IEP implementation Leadership Special Education Certification Cross-functional communication Staff development

Full Job Description Position:

Program Specialist, Special Education Reports to:

Director, Special Education Employment Type:

Full-time, working 200 days per year

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) community includes 15 schools supporting 8,000 students in Daly City, San Bruno, and South San Francisco. Our mission is that in partnership with our community, SSFUSD will provide exceptional instruction, engaging experiences, and equitable and accessible opportunities and resources to further support our diverse student body so that students are equipped to learn, thrive, navigate their future with purpose, and impact their community. In February 2024, the School Board for SSFUSD adopted our new Vision and Five-Year Strategic Plan. As a member of the cabinet, the Assistant Superintendent of Talent, will be responsible for leading initiatives to ensure the district delivers on its promises in the strategic plan.

NOTE:

JOB DESCRIPTION PENDING BOARD APPROVAL AS OF 3/10/2026 POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Special Education, plan, coordinate, administer, and evaluate district special education programs and services to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, equitable access, and high-quality instruction for students with disabilities. Provide leadership, coaching, and oversight to site administrators and special education staff to maximize student outcomes in the least restrictive environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Provide district-level leadership and oversight for special education programs, services, and personnel to ensure implementation aligned with IDEA, Section 504, and California Education Code requirements. Support site administrators in the design, implementation, and monitoring of inclusive practices, co-teaching models, and continuum of services aligned with Least Restrictive Environment targets set forth by CDE. Supervise and evaluate assigned special education staff as directed; provide coaching and professional guidance to Education Specialists, Related Service Providers, and Para Educators. Monitor IEP implementation and procedural compliance; review records, observe classrooms, and provide corrective guidance. Lead and facilitate IEP meetings involving complex cases, compliance concerns, disputes, or high-level coordination with outside agencies. Coach site administrators in leading special education programs at their site including compliance oversight. Develop and deliver professional development aligned to district goals, legal requirements, and instructional best practices. Collaborate with site administrators, school psychologists, related service providers, and general education leaders to strengthen integrated service delivery and ensure alignment within MTSS frameworks. Serve as district liaison to families, outside agencies, nonpublic schools, and community partners regarding program placement, transition planning, and service coordination. Coordinate transition planning for students entering or exiting district programs, including nonpublic school placements, across school levels, and return-to-district considerations. Support the Director in responding to state complaints, due process filings, compliance reviews, and audits. Participate in district committees, initiatives, and cross-departmental planning to ensure alignment of services for students with disabilities. Serve as instructional leader and coach to specialization staff and implement evidence based practices in district curricular initiatives and adoptions. Facilitate clear and proactive communication with families in supporting collaborative relationships between home and school. Analyze and interpret student performance, program effectiveness, and compliance data to inform instructional decision-making, program improvements, and required local, state, and federal reporting.

OTHER DUTIES

Perform related duties as assigned to support district special education programs and initiatives.

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge:

Federal and state laws governing special education including IDEA, Section 504, and California Education Code. Inclusive instructional practices and service delivery models. IEP development, implementation, and procedural safeguards. Curriculum adaptation, Universal Design for Learning, and specially designed instruction. Behavior intervention principles and positive behavior supports. Child development and learning theory. Conflict resolution and facilitation strategies. Public speaking, presentation, and professional learning design.

Abilities:

Provide administrative leadership and oversight of special education programs. Interpret and apply laws, policies, and regulations accurately. Analyze data to inform program improvements and decision-making. Facilitate complex meetings and manage sensitive situations effectively. Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships across departments. Communicate clearly and professionally in oral and written formats. Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff. Plan, organize, and prioritize district-level initiatives. Operate standard office equipment and technology systems.

Physical Requirements:

Incorporated within one or more of the previously mentioned performance responsibilities, which are essential functions of this job description, are the following essential physical requirements: Ability to work at a desk, conference table, or in meetings of various configurations. Ability to sit, stand, and traverse for extended periods of time. Ability to see for purposes of performing duties, responsibilities, and activities. Ability to understand speech at normal levels. Ability to read laws and codes, rules and policies, and a variety of other printed materials and digital screens, and prepare/process documents. Ability to operate standard office equipment, computer technology including keyboard, and other equipment necessary to complete required duties, responsibilities, and activities. Ability to listen and speak with others to clearly and understandably communicate and exchange information during conversation. Ability to walk, twist, stoop, crouch, kneel, bend/over, grasp, reach overhead, push, pull, move, lift and/or carry 0-50 pounds to waist height.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS

Education:

Preferred:

Master's Degree in special education, educational leadership, or related field from accredited college or university

Required:

Bachelor's Degree from accredited college or university

Experience:

Preferred:

At least three (3) years in a leadership or program coordination role.

Required:

At least five (5) years of experience serving students with disabilities

Licenses:

Preferred:

None Certifications:

Preferred:

None Required:

Valid California Administrative Services Credential Valid California Education Specialist Instruction Credential California Department of Justice & Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check/Fingerprint Clearance

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment :

Office environment with travel between District offices, school sites, and other facilities. Drive a vehicle to conduct work. May be required to use a personal vehicle.

Hazards :

Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions. Frequent interruptions.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

South San Francisco Unified School District programs, activities, and employment shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical or mental disability, sex,sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. (Board Policy 0410) No district employee shall be discriminated against or harassed by any coworker, supervisor, manager, or other person with whom the employee comes in contact in the course of employment, on the basis of the employee's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, religious creed, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. (Board Policy 4030)