Arizona Department of Education

Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section
Phoenix Location 

Salary: $66,000 - $71,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 06/28/24

• Manage the application and approval process for Private Special Education School and Emotional Disabilities-Private/Public (ED-P) programs as required by A.R.S. 15-901, 15-765, and R7-2-402.
• Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Review special education programs in private schools and ED-P programs for approval and compliance. Lead or participate in verification visits. Activities include conducting interviews, reviewing files, documentation, analyzing data and conducting follow-up visits to verify approval status
• Continually review applications and supporting documentation for ED-P and Private SPED School approval
• Answer questions from the public and private schools and other stakeholders concerning state and federal requirements related to special education.
• Develop supporting material, webinar, training, charts, brochures or handouts as related to ED-P and Private SPED programs and supports
• Attend Private SPED meetings representing ADE
• Attend conferences, read newsletters, journals, books, regulations, attorney general opinions, and laws related to special education in order to keep abreast of professional information and issues
• Collaborate with other ESS staff to address Public Education Agencies (PEA) and ADE concerns and improve student achievement and PEA capacity
• Participate in various department/division task teams, special projects, and professional development as necessary to carry out work-related requirements

Knowledge in:
• State and federal laws and implementing regulations in the area of special education
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Adult learning strategies and presentation

Skills in:
• Use of technology, including various computer software programs
• Identifying needs and developing targeted technical assistance
• Conducting research and synthesizing information
• Customer service and public relations
• Public speaking

Ability to:
• Prioritize time and multiple objectives concurrently
• Present information to small and large groups in a manner tailored for specific audiences
• Communicate in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing
• Maintain professionalism in a variety of environments and circumstances internally/externally of ADE

• Preference will be given to those applicants with experience in a special education program as a teacher, administrator, or a related-service provider in a school and a bachelor’s degree in special education or related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree.

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

To submit your resume, click the "APPLY NOW" button below.

Having trouble applying for this position?

Email HRIShelpdesk@azdoa.gov or call (602) 542-4700 for assistance.