Program Specialist, English Learner/Migrant/McKinney-Vento

Description

Idaho Department of Education

This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/.

The Federal Programs department implements the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) programs. This position will perform critical Federal program monitoring duties, grant reimbursement functions, and Consolidated Federal and State Grant Application (CFSGA) requirements. The candidate will provide support to local education agencies (LEAs) on grant program regulations and guidelines and notify applicants of deadlines, procedures, and monitoring status. Emphasis will be placed on strong organizational skills, ability to work independently while also working collaboratively with team members, and balancing and coordinating workloads for multiple ongoing projects. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required. This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop a working knowledge of the Consolidated Federal and State Grant Application (CFSGA) and provide technical assistance to districts as needed.
• Responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and organizing procurement responsibilities for the Federal Programs Team.
• Responsible for reviewing, providing feedback, and approving Certificate of Eligibility Approvals.
• Assist with organization, coordination and co-facilitation of the bi-annual Migrant Parent Advisory Council meetings
• Responsible for reviewing appeals for English Learner status in the state English Learner Management System and providing feedback to districts
• Responsible for organizing grant applications for Title III English Learner Consortium parent engagement activities
• Assist with coordinating, co-facilitating/presenting, and working with parents for the State PAC Leadership Group. 
• Assist with organizing and logistical support of the Migrant Student Leadership Institute held in summer
• Assist with organizing and coordinating professional development and training for the Title III English Learner Consortium
• Assist with Identification & Recruitment Consortium activities including attending virtual trainings, researching, and producing written reports
• Assist migrant districts through regular communication with migrant family liaisons and regional MEP coordinators to ensure accuracy of data in MSIS for Certificates of Eligibility, migrant services, and critical dates.
• Assist in the planning and organization of Federal Programs training, meetings, and conferences, as needed.
• Assist with organizing and logistical support for annual Summer English Learner Institute.
• Provide excellent customer service via telephone and email.
• Format any public documents for ADA accessibility per SOPI policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret state and federal laws and regulations.
• Proficiency with Office 365 applications: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other common technology applications and video conferencing programs such as Adobe, Zoom, Go-To Meeting.
• Experience coordinating activities requiring complex arrangements.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently, and ability to balance the workload for multiple and often time-sensitive responsibilities.
• Experience interpreting, applying and explaining complex information such as regulations, policies

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Working knowledge of State government agencies.
• Working knowledge of ESEA, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
• Experience presenting to or providing training to large groups.
• Knowledge of project planning, project management, and implementation.
• Fluent in Spanish

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (with or without reasonable accommodation) 

This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks:

• Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, and scanner.
• Perform general administrative duties including typing, filing, answering phones, processing paperwork, and assembling office materials.
• Read, review, and process both printed and digital documents.
• Navigate websites and online systems; identify and respond to safety concerns; greet and assist visitors.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail for extended periods.
• Understand, communicate, and follow through on program support tasks and responsibilities.
• Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.
• Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, or kneeling.
• Occasionally lift items, typically weighing under 5 lbs., and occasionally up to 20 lbs.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

This position will be required to travel on occasion for national conferences and training.

BENEFITS:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency. 

Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

TO APPLY: 

To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application. 

Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted. 

EEO/ADA/VETERAN:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.