PROGRAM OFFICER

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Program Officer will provide oversight and support for special education programming within an assigned portfolio of schools through consultation, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, and planning. The Program Officer supports school leaders and staff through professional development, coaching, resource support, and problem-solving to promote high-quality, compliant special education programming and the provision of services in the least restrictive environment in accordance with federal and state law.

The Program Officer will focus on three primary areas:

• Support a portfolio of schools in the implementation, quality, and compliance of special education programming

• Provide leadership, supervision, and oversight for districtwide programs, services, and/or staff

Lead or support districtwide initiatives and priorities, including cross-departmental collaboration and coordination with internal and external partners

WORK MONTHS
12 Months

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervise and administer all district programs for children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) including staff.

2. Support the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative in observing students, coordinating specialized transportation, attending IEP meetings, determining the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and coordinating programs and services.

3. Serve as the LEA representative in the absences of the school-based LEA.

4. Provide leadership, oversight, and support for special education programming within assigned schools to promote program quality and ensure compliance.

5. Provide guidance, support, and direction to building administrators on personnel actions of employees in special education compliance.

6. Provide technical assistance, consultation, and problem-solving support to school leaders and staff regarding special education programming, services, and student placement.

7. Conduct formal and informal observations for Special Education teachers and/or paraprofessionals.

8. Provide information related to due process and dispute resolution procedures and IDEA requirements to administrators, teachers, and parents in accordance with federal and state law.

9. Collaborate with school and district-level teams to develop, review, implement, and continuously improve plans and recommendations that strengthen programming and inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities.

10. Provide leadership and support for assigned school-based and districtwide special education programs, initiatives, and activities, including but not limited to PASA, ESY, Transition to Kindergarten, Manifestation Determinations, and Functional Behavioral Assessments.

11. Research and remain abreast of trends and changes in special education.

12. Exercise a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, poise, tact, and diplomacy to accomplish objectives while attending meetings and training.

13. Support the evaluation, design, implementation, and continuous improvement of district special education systems, procedures, and practices.

14. Provide ongoing consultation, coaching, mentoring, and support to school leaders and staff to build capacity for effective special education programming and services.

15. Support all teachers who have students with disabilities.

16. Serve as liaison to public and private agencies that serve PPS including maintaining information and records.

17. Participate and provide leadership, as appropriate, in the development of the district special education programming and special education budget for approval by the district superintendent.

18. Serve as a local liaison with parents and with parent organizations, including school-based parent events when possible.

19. Work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support effective teacher evaluation.

20. All other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

EDUCATION REQUIRED
Master’s Degree

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE REQUIRED
Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) issued Supervisor of Special Education Certification or Principal K-12 certification with 5 years Special Education experience required

For more information on Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Education Certification Requirements visit the PA Department of Education’s Certification Types and Codes webpage.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Five years of special education experience that includes classroom and supervisory/administrative experience; Five years of supervisory experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Relevant leadership and management experience, including supervising staff, overseeing programs and initiatives, supporting school leaders, and designing high-quality special education programming and professional learning.

• Demonstrated ability to consult, coach, and problem-solve with school leaders and staff to strengthen implementation and build capacity.

• Knowledge of Pennsylvania standards, initiatives and assessments.

• Extensive knowledge of Chapter 14 and IDEA

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, programs, and systems through cycles of continuous improvement.

• Experience in case management or IEP development including initial evaluations, re-evaluations and supporting documents.

• Working knowledge and experience in the practical application of educational research.

• Working knowledge and experience with supporting underrepresented students.

• Demonstrates strong cultural competence and culturally responsive pedagogy/education

• Exceptional time management and analytical skills.

• Experience working within a public school system preferred.

• Experience leading educational programs and initiatives while fostering effective working relationships across schools, departments, families, community partners, and external organizations.

• Ability to exercise a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, poise, tact, and diplomacy to accomplish objectives.

• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player, under pressure with multiple competing deadlines, and with culturally, educationally, and racially diverse internal and external stakeholders.

-Experience evaluating teachers and paraprofessionals as part of annual reviews

• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, exercise sound judgment, stay organized, and manage multiple schools, initiatives, and competing priorities.

• Excellent presentation and writing skills.

• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, and IEP Writer.

• Values, demonstrates and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Enthusiastic about the fundamental goal of advancing student achievement in an urban public school district.

• Value, demonstrate, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion .

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The working conditions and physical requirements described here are representative of, but not limited to, those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made.
· Working conditions for this position are determined by the supervisor of the position

APPLICANT ELIGIBILE CRITERIA
N/A

CITY OF PITTSBURGH RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
This position does not have a residency requirement.

Position : 111691

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Location : CI-PSE-PROG STDTS W EXCEPTION

Grade : SUP ADM GR2 BWK

Group : PITTSBURGH

Posting Start : 08/20/2026

Posting End : 12/31/9999

MINIMUM PER PAY RATE: $4,376.15-$4,376.15