Program Specialist Special Education

Overview

Voices is a public charter school network with a mission to prepare all learners for the challenges of higher education through the context of an academically rigorous dual-immersion program. Every learner, regardless of home language, graduates bilingual and biliterate through our full-inclusion English and Spanish dual-language model.

Though 90% of Hispanic young adults say that a college degree is important for success in life, fewer than 20% aged 25 or older hold a bachelor’s degree. In contrast, only about 35% of the general American public considers college highly important, and a similar 35% hold a bachelor’s degree (2023, 2024 Pew Research). Voices College-Bound Language Academies exists to change that. 

Our educational philosophy is grounded in a sociocultural approach to learning that emphasizes collaboration, language development, and culturally sustaining practices. We believe students learn best in rigorous, language-rich environments that are developmentally responsive—prioritizing play-based pedagogy in early childhood and intentional direct and interdisciplinary instruction in the upper grades. Instruction is standards-based and designed to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and critical thinking through reflective, data-informed practice.

If our mission, model, and approach to teaching and learning resonate with you, we invite you to apply.

Summary

The Program Specialist serves as a key member of the Special Education team, supporting Education Specialists, school leaders, and related service providers to ensure instructionally effective and legally compliant special education services across the Voices network.

This role provides specialized coaching, IEP compliance oversight, program development, data and systems support, and direct district-level guidance to Education Specialists enrolled in credentialing programs. The Program Specialist also serves as an LEA representative for IEP meetings and monitors the quality and compliance of special education service delivery, documentation, and SEIS data.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership & Program Support

• Provide cycles of SPED-specific coaching, classroom observations, and actionable feedback to Education Specialists and support staff.
• Support the implementation of high-quality instruction, accommodations, modifications, and MTSS-aligned intervention for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with principals and school teams to develop strong school-based systems for progress monitoring, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive practices.
• Serve as a district-level support provider for Education Specialists in credentialing programs, including guidance, observations, documentation, and coordination with preparation programs.
   

IEP Coordination & LEA Responsibilities

• Serve as LEA representative for IEP meetings, as needed, ensuring meetings are lawful, student-centered, and aligned to Voices policies and SELPA guidance.
• Support school teams in drafting, revising, and implementing high-quality, compliant IEPs.
• Coach and support Education Specialists in case management, timelines, service delivery, and documentation.
• Data Systems, Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Manage and monitor SEIS data entry, accuracy, and ongoing data integrity for assigned sites.
• Conduct regular audits of IEPs, service logs, assessments, and compliance indicators; provide corrective action guidance.
• Track caseloads, timelines, and service delivery to ensure adherence to IDEA, state regulations, and SELPA procedures.
• Participate in the development and refinement of special education systems, protocols, and tools across the network.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Director of Special Education, school leaders, and the Voices Instructional Partners team to ensure alignment of services and staffing.
• Support recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and professional development of Education Specialists and related service providers.
• Collaborate with families, community partners, and SELPA staff to support positive relationships and problem-solving.
• Support complex or high-needs cases, including manifestation determinations, disciplinary procedures, and NPS/RTC placements when applicable.

Professional Development

• Design and deliver SPED-related professional learning for Education Specialists, paraprofessionals, general education teachers, and leaders.
• Support training in SEIS, compliance expectations, bilingual/multilingual learning needs, inclusive practices, and behavior supports.
• Mentor new special education team members to ensure strong onboarding and professional growth.
   

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain knowledge of current federal/state law, instructional best practices, and research related to special education and dual-language learners.
• Support families in understanding their rights, navigating services, and partnering effectively with schools.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of students, staff, and the Voices mission.

• Valid Clear California Education Specialist Credential. 
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Special Education (teaching, case management, or related services).
• Demonstrated ability to provide instructional leadership and/or coaching to educators.
• Experience working with multilingual learners.
• Strong knowledge of IDEA, California Education Code, and SELPA procedures.
• Proficiency with SEIS or similar SPED data systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish 

• Skills to effectively provide leadership and manage the multiple requirements; understand, interpret and apply laws, policies, and guidelines that govern special education or Voices programs; communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Knowledge of Sonoma County SELPA procedures and program guidelines; special education instructional practices, procedures and methods; various testing materials, resources or equipment; behavioral and social-emotional interventions.
• Working knowledge of IDEA, California special education law, charter law; IEP preparation and implementation strategies and procedures; current trends and best practices in serving special education students and appropriate referral agencies.
• Abilities to supervise and motivate staff; collaborate with principals on employee management of assigned staff, conduct effective meetings and professional development activities; work effectively with students, parents and staff.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action and work independently.
• Ability to use technology to; knowledge of assistive technology to enhance student learning.
• Experience in training, planning and executing appropriate transition services for special education students.

Prior To Employment: Once an offer has been extended, a candidate must meet the following criteria to receive a final agreement:

• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
• Employment Eligibility
• Cleared Criminal Background Check
• Valid TB Clearance

• Annual salary range: $95,000 – $130,000
• Medical benefits
• Exceptional growth opportunities
• Retirement plan

• Reports directly to Director of Special Education
• Salaried, Exempt Position 
• Position follows 12 month calendar
• At-Will Agreement

If you have any questions about this position, please contact our hiring team by email at [email protected].  

Voices College-Bound Language Academies will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable federal and California law.

Voices College-Bound Language Academies is an equal opportunity employer.                                                                                              It is the policy of Voices to afford equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, citizenship status, medical condition, or any other legally protected status.