JOB OVERVIEW
Under the direction of the Executive Director and in collaboration with Special Kids Connect's staff and Board of Directors, the Education Director's primary role is to develop, lead, and oversee programs and initiatives pertaining to Special Kids Connect's role as Monterey County's California Department of Education (CDE)-funded Family Empowerment Center (FEC). This position involves strategic planning, program development, budgeting, marketing, staff supervision, and collaboration with local schools, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure that Monterey County families receive the support they need to become effective advocates for their children's education
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Special Kids Connect's (SKC) Education Director is a key member of SKC's director team, supporting the Executive Director, the Community Services Director, and Community Programs Director in the funding, development, and implementation of programs and services, insuring they are consistent with SKC's mission and are fiscally sound. Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
Program Leadership and Development:
- Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs, workshops, conferences, and services that meet the needs of families who have children deemed eligible or who are potentially eligible for special education services through their school district.
- Ensure that program outcomes are aligned with grant funding requirements.
- Develop curriculum and training materials for workshops, seminars, and other educational activities.
- Develop and oversee the execution of collateral designed to support service navigation for families, including a countywide resource directory and organizational binders for adult transition guidance.
- Ensure Family Empowerment Center (FEC) staff members individually provide high quality 1:1 support consistent with best practices.
- Stay current with educational trends, policies, and best practices to inform program development.
- Identify and participate in relevant continuing education opportunities for professional development.
Staff Supervision and Development:
- Recruit, train, and supervise an FEC team that includes Family Support Specialists and an FEC Coordinator.
- Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Monterey County SELPA, local school districts, the San Andreas Regional Center, and other community organizations who play a key role in the lives of students receiving special education services in Monterey County.
- Promote Special Kids Connect's Family Empowerment Center's work at community events.
- Represent and advocate for Monterey County's families and special education stakeholders through active participation in local, regional, and state meetings and conferences.
- Represent Special Kids Connect as an active member of CAPTAIN (California Autism Professional Training And Information Network).
Financial Management & Invoicing:
- Develop and manage the Special Kids Connect's Family Empowerment Center budget, ensuring proper and efficient use of resources.
- Collaborate with Special Kids Connect's bookkeeper to ensure invoices are sent to the California Department of Education (CDE) in a timely fashion.
- Ensure records are maintained in accordance with CDE requirements and policies.
- Follow and adhere to CDE's requirements & deadlines for invoice and budget (including budget revision) submissions.
Evaluation and Reporting:
- Ensure FEC cases are recorded accurately and timely into Salesforce, in accordance with UPL (Unlicensed Practice of Law) principles and best practices.
- Oversee the FEC referral process and ensure that referrals are processed with timely follow-through that is consistent with SKC's referral policies.
- Maintain records that meet reporting requirements for CDE and for funders who support FEC-led programs.
- Prepare reports, as needed, for CDE and other funders who support FEC programs.
- Establish internal metrics for assessing program effectiveness and impact. Use data-informed insights to continuously improve offerings.
- Prepare and present regular reports on program outcomes to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Special projects & other duties as assigned.
In addition, this position should actively support the SKC director-team and SKC's staff in exploration
, identification, and prioritization of the ever-changing needs of SKC's constituencies (children, families, professionals) and work collaboratively to develop creative approaches to addressing and funding those needs.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have at least ONE of the following:
- Special Education and/or Education Specialist Credential (preferred)
- Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
- Single Subject Teaching Credential
- PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential
- Masters in Special Education or Educational Leadership or similar area of study
In addition, candidates must demonstrate:
- Working knowledge of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and have been a collaborative participant in IEP meetings
- Strong customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written, organizational skills, both analytical and problem solving, and the ability to recognize and work with confidential information
- Ability to manage requests/needs of multiple families and work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and achieve deadlines under pressure
- Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed
- A valid California driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance (liability and property damage on vehicle used), and reliable transportation or the ability to secure timely transportation to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Drive with a willingness to learn additional programs, as needed
- A detail-oriented, positive attitude conducive to working effectively as a team member
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
COMPENSATION
Full-time exempt, salaried position. Medical, dental, vision benefits package. Compensation based upon education and experience.
EEOC EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION STATEMENT
It is the policy of Special Kids Connect to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.