Job Description
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
As the role of the Idaho Department of Education (Department) is to provide leadership and guidance for informed decision making to school leaders and educators, the Special Education Director oversees the state’s implementation of services for students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The director manages a team of Department employees and monitors Local Education Agencies’ (LEAs) adherence to law. The director develops, implements, and manages Department initiatives by providing information, technical assistance, professional development, and training and guidance to constituents. Other duties include interpreting state and federal laws, compiling and disseminating current research-based practices, collaborating with other Department divisions and parent groups, and representing the Department on a variety of committees and groups related to special education.
Responsibilities - Work with stakeholders, including parents and advocacy groups, to ensure clear communication and foster positive working relationships across Idaho.
- Ensure Idaho’s compliance with federal requirements related to IDEA.
- Oversee the distribution and monitoring of IDEA grant funds LEAs.
- Direct the monitoring of services provided by LEAs and related service providers to eligible children and their families to ensure the educational programs meet or exceed federal and state guidance.
- Interpret, clarify, and provide technical assistance to both Department and LEA staff in matters related to special education and federal requirements.
- Provide recommendations to districts concerning issues of compliance and effectiveness.
- Lead statewide professional development and technical assistance for LEA staff and related service providers that reflect both best practices and research.
- Oversee data collection related to IDEA and the annual state evaluation of IDEA services and performance (Annual Performance Report).
- Serve as state contact for the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
- Act as state representative on a variety of cross agency committees related to IDEA.
- Oversee revisions of the state special education manual.
- Collaborate with other Department directors in statewide initiatives such as systems improvement, adoption of standards, effective teaching, school improvement efforts, etc.
- Provide input to Idaho higher education institutions regarding personnel preparation programs and state identified areas of interest (MTSS, RDA, RTI, Positive Behavior Interventions and Support, Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Learners, Universal Design, Differentiated Instruction, etc.).
- Provide direct supervision of staff including performance evaluations, approval of purchasing, travel expenses, and federal and state reporting of time and effort.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in an education field.
- Five to eight years of supervision and/or administrative experience in education or a related field.
- Knowledge of federal and state special education laws, policies, and procedures.
- Experience developing and implementing policies and procedures, training materials, and technical assistance documents.
- Ability to make critical decisions in a timely manner.
- Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and organizational skills and ability to synthesize complex information.
- Experience supervising and mentoring employees.
- Ability to communicate, collaborate, and problem solve effectively.
- Willingness to lead through changes at the federal level.
- Understanding of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in both general and special education.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (with or without accommodation)
- Dexterity to operate office tools and equipment;
- 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; operate standard office equipment, including, but not limited to: computer, copier/scanner, multi-line phone system; navigate website resources; greet and direct patrons; 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 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, frequently less than 5 lb., but may be up to 20 lb.
Travel Required This position requires approximately 25% travel time throughout the state and out of 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
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 ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Work experience placement, Local area,