Title: Specialist, Extensive Support Needs

State Role Title: Education Coordinator I

Hiring Range: $99,000 - $103,000; exact commensurate based on experience

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Ed Central Operations

Location: JAMES MONROE BUILDING

Agency Website: doe.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Division of Early Childhood and Specialized Populations is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as the primary point of contact for students with significant disabilities across multiple disability categories within Virginia’s education system. This role focuses on supporting students with disabilities who require intensive instructional, behavioral, and adaptive support including developmental and cognitive impairments, and in some cases, other support needs that may be physical and/or sensory and may include integration of high- and low-tech devices to support specially designed instruction. Students with such intensive needs require comprehensive programming and natural support to fully access educational and youth development contexts. The Specialist will lead and collaborate with the Department of Special Education and Specialized Populations to enhance effective teaching strategies, improve student learning outcomes, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possesses extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations affecting students with disabilities, including the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Experienced in the administration and supervision of special education programs, with a thorough understanding of state and local government policies, procedures, organizational frameworks, curriculum development, and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Demonstrates strong technical writing skills, with expertise in coordinating and leading teams, analyzing and interpreting data, and effectively communicating complex technical information to diverse audiences. Proficient in the use of word processing and presentation software.
• Adept at identifying and analyzing complex problems related to special education and related services, recognizing program deficiencies, and implementing strategies for corrective action and continuous improvement. Skilled in managing multiple priorities under critical deadlines while fostering collaborative team environments.
• In-depth knowledge of special education instructional methodologies, program administration, relevant federal and state regulations, local school division policies, state agency functions, and research methods.
• Proven ability to define educational challenges and apply problem-solving techniques to address them. Capable of working independently and collaboratively to produce comprehensive reports, coordinate with relevant staff, and manage competing assignments. Competent in basic keyboarding skills.
• Possesses documented successful experience in teaching students with disabilities, as well as supervising or consulting with educators serving this population. Demonstrates expertise in both oral and written communication, with a proven ability to engage effectively with parents and community stakeholders invested in special education programs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning assessment programs, alongside local and state government policies and agency operations.
• Exhibits highly developed interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a clear and concise communication style. Highly organized and capable of independently managing workload and time, adapting to emerging priorities, consistently meeting deadlines, forecasting trends, and leading staff across K-12 and higher education environments through complex initiatives.
• Proficient in computer applications including word processing, graphic presentations, databases, spreadsheets, and other technological tools essential for successful task completion.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in supporting the development and implementation of special education programming and related services at both school and division levels.

Additional Considerations

• Extensive experience leading teams and designing instructional programs for students with disabilities. Skilled in collaborating with teachers and administrators to develop special education programs and services, with a strong understanding of agencies that support children with disabilities and their families.
• Broad expertise in special education processes, from evaluation and eligibility through to graduation. This role requires instructional leadership and professional development to guide statewide efforts aimed at improving educational outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.
• Significant experience in the direct implementation and coaching of effective instructional supports for students with extensive support needs, addressing instructional, behavioral, and adaptive challenges.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A résumé will be accepted in lieu of a completed state application. Applications submitted via e-mail, postal service, fax or hand-delivered will not be considered. Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check. Commonwealth of Virginia employees may have teleworking options available. Final teleworking agreements will be reviewed and approved upon hire.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process:

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to prove their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs.cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process. For assistance call: (804) 225-2021, [TTY: 786-8389]

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and the VDOE that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. The Virginia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.



Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: humanresources@doe.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.