Advanced Opportunities & School Choice Program Specialist

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.

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

The Idaho Department of Education (IDE) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of IDE employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the IDE 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 Program Specialist is part of the School Choice, Student Engagement and Safety Coordination team and positioned to support the following programs: Advanced Opportunities, Title IX, and School Choice. The Advanced Opportunities program provides a wide variety of opportunities such as licensures, college credit, career training and scholarships to students in grades 7-12. In addition, the program supports schools, course providers and various stakeholders in coordinating a network of support for the program. The Title IX program provides assistance to districts and families regarding the federal Title IX requirements, training, and complaint process. The School Choice program provides information and support about the educational options in Idaho for families, community members, and educators. Additionally, the Program Specialist is the main contact for the team’s contracting.

This is a full-time position serving under an appointment of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Provide technical assistance and support for Advanced Opportunities, Title IX, and School Choice.

· Serve as the contracting point of contact; writing the contract based on the information provided by the coordinators and tracking the approval process for the contracts.

· Support schools, students, and families by providing access to and troubleshooting to secure information portals.

· Manage multiple projects to assist the program coordinators.

· Assist in coordinating yearly conferences, workshops, and other events.

· Review and verify funding documentation for the programs.

· Assist coordinator with communication, contracts, and execution of program objectives.

· Support professional development efforts for staff regarding program objectives.

· Assist with reviewing annual district program applications and audits, to ensure they meet Idaho Code.

· Draft correspondence and provide technical support to working partners, districts, students, and families.

· Manage monthly newsletters providing timely communications to the field.

· Assist in the creation of tools and documents for working partners, districts, students, and families.

· Collaborate with program coordinators to improve efficiency and effectiveness of programs.

· Maintain school lists and information for the IDE website.

· Format any public documents for ADA accessibility per IDE policies and procedures.

· Organize and maintain electronic documents.

· Research and synthesize other state and national programs, standards, or legislation.

· Provide support and assistance with conferences, including setup and dismantling.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

· High school diploma or GED.

· 1-2 years of experience in office support functions, functions including word processing, filing, composing a variety of business documents, compiling data, and coordinating a workload for multiple projects.

· Experience making presentations to groups.

· Must have strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

· Must be proficient in Microsoft applications and online search engines.

· Must have the ability to communicate well, orally and in writing.

· Applicant must have interpersonal skills and abilities to work effectively as a member of a team, promote team goals and maintain team climate.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

· Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in related studies experience in postsecondary institutions.

· Experience working with Advanced Opportunities, School Choice, state statute, and/or student-related programs.

· Bilingual

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation) 

· Ability to perform standard office administrative functions, including but not limited to typing, filing, answering phones, processing documents, collating, and preparing office materials as needed.

· Good vision to review hard copy and electronic documents; ability to operate standard office equipment, including, but not limited to a computer, copier/scanner, multi-line phone system; navigate website resources; greet and direct patrons; and identify safety concerns.

· Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time.

· Mental acuity to comprehend, communicate, monitor, and ensure adequate program support.

· 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, and kneeling.

· Occasional lifting may be required up to 25 lb.

TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

This position requires approximately 10% travel time throughout the state for training and monitoring.

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 IDE 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.