JOB OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Executive Director and in collaboration with Special Kids Connect’s staff and Board of Directors, the Education Manager’s primary role is to develop, lead, and oversee programs and initiatives pertaining to Special Kids Connect’s role as Monterey County’s California Department of Education (CDE)-funded Family Empowerment Center (FEC). This position involves program management, staff supervision, and collaboration with local schools, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure that Monterey County families receive the support they need to become effective advocates for their children’s education.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must have at least one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Education, or related field and/or Master’s degree in Educational Leadership (preferred)
• Parent or sibling of an individual who received K-12 special education services through an IEP (Individualized Education Program plan)
• Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
• Single Subject Teaching Credential
• PK-3 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist Instruction Credential

In addition, candidates must demonstrate:
1. Working knowledge of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and have been a collaborative participant in IEP meetings
2. Strong customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written, organizational skills, both analytical and problem solving, and the ability to recognize and work with confidential information
3. Ability to manage requests/needs of multiple families and work on multiple projects simultaneously
4. Ability to manage multiple tasks and achieve deadlines under pressure
5. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed
6. A valid California driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance (liability and property damage on vehicle used), and reliable transportation or the ability to secure timely transportation to perform the essential functions of the job.
7. Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Drive with a willingness to learn additional programs, as needed
8. A detail-oriented, positive attitude conducive to working effectively as a team member

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multilingual and multiliterate with fluency in both English and Spanish
• Supervisory experience
• Experience with Salesforce or similar client data management system
  Job Type: Full-time
  Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• What appeals to you about this position?

Language:

• English & Spanish fluently (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Salinas, CA 93901 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Salinas, CA 93901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In perso

Special Kids Connect’s (SKC’s) Education Director is a key member of SKC’s director team, supporting the Executive Director, the Community Services Director, and Community Programs Director in the funding, development, and implementation of programs and services, insuring they are consistent with SKC’s mission and are fiscally sound. Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Program Leadership and Development:

• Inform, implement, and evaluate SKC-hosted educational programs, workshops, conferences, and services that meet the needs of families who have children deemed eligible or who are potentially eligible for special education services through their school district.
• Ensure adherence to policies and best practices set forth by the CDE Special Education Division and its contracted technical assistance provider Seeds of Partnership.
• Take an active role in Special Kids Connect’s annual FEC Grant Application process by providing input on SKC’s anticipated major activities and associated performance outcomes for each activity.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, monitor SKC’s FEC work by ensuring SKC’s grant activities and outcomes are being met to the best of SKC’s ability.
• Chair the development, execution, and post-event evaluation of Special Kids Connect’s annual Special Education Conference, presented in collaboration with Monterey County SELPA.
• With guidance from Directors, inform and develop collateral designed to support service navigation for families, including organizational binders for adult transition guidance.
• Ensure that Family Empowerment Center (FEC) staff members are individually providing high quality 1:1 support consistent with best practices.
• Stay current with educational trends, policies, and best practices to inform program development.
• Identify and participate in relevant continuing education opportunities for professional development.
• Model and promote professional conduct when engaging with families, professionals, and community partners, both in person and via virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom), including attire, communication style, and setting.

1. Staff Supervision and Development:

• Inform recruitment and organize FEC trainings for Family Support Specialists.
• Supervise a team of Family Support Specialists, each of whom will have a direct reporting relationship to this role of Education Manager.
• With guidance from Directors, identify an optimal structure for meeting Monterey County families’ educational support needs throughout the year that takes into account staff availability and the need / desire to staff satellite locations.
• Identify ongoing professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and effectiveness.

1. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Monterey County SELPA, local school districts, the San Andreas Regional Center, and other community organizations who play a key role in the lives of students receiving special education services in Monterey County.
• Promote Special Kids Connect’s Family Empowerment Center’s work at community events.
• Represent and advocate for Monterey County’s families and special education stakeholders through active participation in local, regional, and state meetings and conferences. This includes in-person attendance at the annual Family Empowerment Disability Council (FEDC) conference, traditionally held in Sacramento each August.
• Represent Special Kids Connect as an active member of CAPTAIN (California Autism Professional Training And Information Network).

1. Evaluation and Reporting:

• Ensure spending records are maintained in accordance with CDE requirements and policies.
• Ensure FEC cases are recorded accurately and timely into Salesforce, in accordance with UPL (Unlicensed Practice of Law) principles and best practices.
• Oversee the FEC referral process and ensure that referrals are processed with timely follow-through that is consistent with SKC’s referral policies.
• Maintain records that meet reporting requirements for CDE and for funders who support FEC-led programs.
• Prepare and present regular reports on program outcomes to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Ensure parent and family data is collected in accordance with FEC reporting requirements.
• Prepare annual FEC outcomes report per CDE requirements.

1. Special projects & other duties as assigned.
   In addition, this position should actively support the SKC director-team and SKC’s staff in exploration, identification, and prioritization of the ever-changing needs of SKC’s constituencies (children, families, professionals) and work collaboratively to develop creative approaches to addressing and funding those needs.