We are seeking Multiple District Support Specialists (Education Program Specialist 2)’s to join our Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities at the Oregon Department of Education.
These positions are SEIU-represented, Full-time, exempt (Not eligible for overtime), and Limited Duration which is expected to end June 30, 2025.
These roles are a hybrid of remote work and will need to report to the office when business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities. Remote work is embraced to the fullest extent possible without interfering with business.
PLEASE APPLY USING THE FOLLOWING LINK: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem-...
If you want to learn more about the Senate Bill 819 (Abbreviated Day) positions with the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities, we are hosting a special Q&A Chat on Tuesday, July 25, 2023!
Registration is required, please do so here:
https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdeGuqDMoHzgm3UYqu52s8Tijcnm...
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Our Agency Mission and Office Culture:
The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.
The Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities (OESO) supports educational facilities (schools, school districts, Education Service Districts, Long Term Care Treatment Centers, Youth Corrections and Juvenile Detention Education Programs) by providing educational and technical assistance services, primarily for special education programs. Visit the OESO About Us page to learn more about the office’s teams and work units.
OESO seeks to build a culture of care and connection, one where people can help us make significant and important improvements in special education for the state of Oregon, while bringing their full, complicated human selves to the position. We are a primarily hybrid office. Our team members most often work from home, but are on site in various locations throughout Oregon due to business need. This position may occasionally be required to work in person, either in Salem at the Public Services Building or in locations throughout the state (e.g., school districts, education service districts).
Other cultural markers of our team include trust and accountability, and a commitment to “doing the work”. We have to be able to trust deeply in one another to do the work well. And, that means, we also need a culture of accountability where people take it on themselves to ensure the right work is completed in the right way at the right time. We are, unapologetically, anti-racist, anti-ableist, and anti-oppressive in our approach to the work. We recognize that the systems we’ve built and maintain cause harm to certain communities, and that it’s our job to disrupt, dismantle, and transform those systems so that that is no longer the case.
What you will do!
The major purpose of these positions are to provide differentiated monitoring and support to school districts, ensuring equitable practices and inclusion for students with disabilities. It involves implementing federal and state laws related to special education, evaluating program effectiveness, and ensuring meaningful access to instruction and services. Additionally, the role supports the overall functioning of the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities and the Oregon Department of Education, promotes equity, and engages in professional and respectful interactions with stakeholders.
A typical day in this role would involve providing technical assistance to school districts, offering guidance on special education topics, and addressing their specific needs and challenges. This may include developing program and policy implementation plans, creating resources and supports to facilitate effective implementation, and promoting equitable services for students with disabilities. The day might also involve collaborating with stakeholders, attending meetings, conducting research, and staying updated on relevant laws and regulations to ensure the provision of high-quality services to students.
These roles are highly exciting for the following reasons:
Impactful Work: The role involves directly improving outcomes for students experiencing disabilities by promoting equitable practices and inclusion within school districts. Being able to make a positive difference in the lives of students and families can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Leadership and Collaboration: As a primary point of contact for school districts, parents, and other stakeholders, this role offers opportunities to lead and collaborate with various individuals and organizations. Working closely with district personnel, education service districts, and state and national programs allows for meaningful partnerships and the potential to influence systemic change.
Legislative Implementation: The implementation of Senate Bill 819 adds an additional layer of excitement to this role. Being involved in the development and execution of a strategic plan for SB 819 implementation provides a chance to shape policies, provide guidance, and drive positive change in compliance with the new legislation.
Continuous Learning: This role requires staying updated on current laws, regulations, and best practices in special education. Engaging in professional development opportunities and learning about new research and approaches in the field can keep the work dynamic and intellectually stimulating.
Equity Focus: The commitment to equity and the opportunity to interrupt systemic oppression, particularly at the intersection of race and disability, adds depth and meaning to the role. Being part of efforts to cultivate equity goals and apply equity tools to all aspects of the work aligns with the broader mission of creating a more inclusive and just educational system.
Please click here to view the full position description.
Minimum Qualifications (Need to have):
Master's degree in Education or related field from an accredited college or university and five years of education experience in the specialty area under recruitment (e.g., classroom teacher, counselor, itinerant service provider), two years of which includes leadership experience (e.g., lead teacher, program coordinator or director, school administrator) in the specialty area under recruitment.
A Doctorate in Education or related field from an accredited university may substitute for two years of the education experience, but not for the two years of leadership experience.
An Oregon Standard Administrative License (issued by Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) may substitute for the two years of leadership experience.
Desired Attributes (Nice to have):
Candidates who are the most competitive will possess a compelling combination of the following background, skills, and experience:
Demonstrated commitment to equity and the ability to apply knowledge and skills to interrupt systemic oppression, particularly at the intersection of race and disability.
Deep understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) laws and their application within school districts. This includes being knowledgeable about the provisions and requirements outlined in IDEA, as well as understanding how to effectively implement and apply these laws in practice.
The proven practice of effective implementation of federal and state laws, regulations, and rules related to special education.
Proficiency in interpreting and managing the influx and changes of laws, policies, and regulations including providing technical assistance and guidance to support and ensure compliance.
Expert skill in facilitating professional development training, meetings, and leading work groups, and collaborating with local, state, and national programs, agencies, and organizations to develop programs that enhance instructional capacity.
Proficiency in evaluating program and school effectiveness through the analysis of assessment data allows for informed decision-making and continuous improvement in special education services.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed.
Mandatory Working Conditions and Working/Hiring Considerations:
This position requires:
A current driver's license, as statewide travel and availability for work sessions or meetings on weekends or evenings, demanding flexibility and adaptability to different working environments.
A Criminal Background check or fingerprinting.
Our amazing benefits include:
Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost
Paid days off –
11 paid holidays per year,
3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year,
8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month,
Progressive vacation leave accrual and increases every 5 years.
In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance!
If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!
To apply:
Your cover letter and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.
Upload a resume and cover letter.
In your cover letter, please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages).
Application Tips:
Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/CV field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.
In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the “What we are looking for” section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.
Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/CV. View this video for help.
Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account. View this job aid for help.
Please contact ode.jobs@ode.oregon.gov if you have any questions on the application process.
