Family Engagement Specialist - Non-Classified

Family Engagement Specialist

• Non-Classified State of Colorado
• 3.3 Denver, CO Job Details Full-time $75,000
• $85,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Professional development assistance Opportunities for advancement Flexible schedule Life insurance Qualifications Training program design for professional development Stakeholder engagement Professional development facilitation in schools Customer service Culturally responsive teaching (DEI initiatives) Master's degree Adult education instructional development Developing new training programs Working with students with special education needs Productivity software Proofreading Grammar Experience Adult learning Content review Working with families with children Adult education Parent-teacher conferences (communication methods) Full Job Description Department Information This position is not part of the classified personnel system; applications will be accepted from Residents and Non-Residents of Colorado.

Incumbent will be required to live in and complete work for CDE within Colorado. Colorado Department of Education

• What We Do The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students.

In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute. As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data. CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance. CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do. Why Work For CDE The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice! The following is a summary of the benefits we offer: Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment. Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible. Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance. Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML). 11 paid holidays per year. Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals. Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org. Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply). Paid professional development opportunities. A wide salary range is posted for this position, and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority relative to others performing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis. The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Description of Job Work Environment:

This position is full-time, Federally Funded (funding is contingent upon availability), and is eligible for a hybrid work environment. Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs. Up to 10% of travel w ithin the State of Colorado for meetings, training, and conferences. Overnight travel may be required specifically for the conferences. A Remote (Home) office is required. Required to report to the work location per business needs. Essential Functions (ADAAA) LIGHT/Office environment: Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time. May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally. Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc. Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

DL Not Required :

Required to independently obtain and determine means to complete travel requirements.

Position Summary:

The Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for enhancing the learning for students with disabilities through the development of resources, training, and activities to improve IEP teams, with a specific focus on ensuring meaningful parent engagement in the special education process and early dispute resolution. This position also oversees the operational day-to-day management of the Parents Encouraging Parents Conference (PEP) and the Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee (CSEAC). The final salary is anticipated to fall within the posted salary range; however, it could be higher or lower depending on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications of the preferred candidate while considering internal equity.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop and manage an annual budget for family-school partnership activities and initiatives, to include PEP and

CSEAC. 2.

Manage day-to-day family-school partnership activities, to include oversight of parent engagement initiatives and activities, including PEP, CSEAC, and responding to calls from parents. 3. Develop resources and provide technical assistance and support to CDE colleagues, special education administrators/educators, disability rights and parent training organizations on the role of meaningful parent participation in the special education process to improve results for students with disabilities, consistent with IDEA and ECEA. 4. Collaborate with other CDE staff and offices in streamlining processes to inform systems outcomes in general supervision, technical assistance practices, and professional learning, with a specific focus on improving meaningful parent participation in the special education and monitoring processes. 5. Collaborate with staff from the ESSU and cross-offices within the CDE in the development of guidance and technical assistance to the field, with a specific focus on improving meaningful parent participation in the special education and monitoring processes. 6. Review and revise general supervision and monitoring processes as part of continuous improvement activities, in collaboration with other ESSU teams, and under the direction of ESSU Leadership, with a specific focus on improving meaningful parent participation in the special education and monitoring processes. 7. Collaborate with GSM and other DR team members to improve system performance in monitoring and professional development activities with a specific focus on parent engagement in these processes and systems, to include improving access to dispute resolution options and participation in monitoring through educational benefit review, facilitated assessments, and AU determinations. 8. Provide oversight and guidance on State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report Indicators related to parent engagement, specifically Indicator 8. 9. Develop parent engagement training, resources, and activities to align with and directly support the Alternative Dispute Resolution Project in the prevention and early intervention stages of special education disputes, to include telephone intermediary services, stakeholder council (CSEAC), and parent-to-parent assistance (PEP) and support for facilitative IEP program and training. 10. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a combination of education and experience totaling eleven (11) years. Master's degree or above in special education or related field from an accredited university or college. AND Five (5) years of experience in special education, which may include experience as a special education teacher, social worker, case manager, related service provider, special education administrator, or parent-liaison. Preference will be given to candidates with recent, direct experience supporting family engagement in IEP teams and meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS

: Qualifications for Success in the

Position:

Experience with culturally responsive practices. Demonstrated skills and experience building strategic relationships between family and school leaders. Demonstrated experience in conflict engagement, alternative dispute resolution practices, and facilitative communication skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc). Understanding of Adult Learning Theory principles and the ability to apply the principles to the development/revision of professional learning courses. Ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations. Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (i.e., advocacy organizations, school districts, other CDE units, etc.). Ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines. Ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work. Ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized. Ability to work independently as well as on a team. Ability to lead professional learning in a variety of settings; in person, hybrid, virtual. Ability to incorporate feedback into course revision and delivery. Ability to demonstrate CDE's mission, vision and values by the consistent expression of professional, respectful, and customer service-oriented behaviors. Intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Office programs, specifically Excel and Word. Ability and willingness to travel. Preferred Qualifications (Preferred/Not Required): Preference will be given to candidates with recent, direct experience supporting family engagement in IEP teams and meetings. Experience with conflict management, conflict resolution skills, and practices. Ability to remain neutral and process focused on contentious situations. Conditions of Employment (Required): Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check. Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel (Up to 10%). Work extended schedule per business needs. Report to work location per business needs.

DL Not Required:

Required to independently determine and obtain means to complete travel requirements (Up to 10%). Sign the acknowledgment form that this position is funded through federal funds and is subject to availability. Supplemental Information Complete Applications must include :

Completed Online Application:

Required

• Submitted through our ATS .

Cover Letter:

Required

• Attached to the application.

Resume:

Required

• Attached to the application.

College Transcripts:

If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school and that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must be assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. Failure to provide a transcript or foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

• Failure to submit a complete application as defined above by the announcement close may result in your application being removed from consideration.
• Resumes and Cover Letters

WILL NOT

be reviewed for minimum qualification screening.

FOR CURRENT OR FORMER EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification's pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.

Email Address:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and " " addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam-filtered email. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to .