Project Manager, Alternate Standards & Behavioral Supports

Job Posting Title

Project Manager, Alternate Standards & Behavioral Supports

Agency

265 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Supervisory Organization

Department of Education–Oliver Hodge Education Building

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

$60,000-$70,000

Discover the Benefits of Joining Our Team! Are you ready to take the next step in your career with an agency that values your well-being? Look no further! At OSDE, we're proud to offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family every step of the way

•Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
•Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
•Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or dependent care with ease.
•Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher’s Retirement System participation.
•Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
•Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
•Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and vendors.
•Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
•Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.
•Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

Job Description

ABOUT US

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs – we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve.  If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at Oklahoma.gov/education

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) Office of Special Education Services is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Project Manager, Alternate Standards and Behavioral Supports. This position will oversee the development and revisions of the Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AAAS) for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, ensuring alignment with state academic standards and compliance with IDEA requirements. In addition, this position provides expertise, training, and technical assistance to districts and school teams serving students who exhibit significant behavioral challenges. The position requires collaboration across the agency’s departments to promote equitable access to rigorous, individualized instruction and evidence-based, positive behavioral interventions and environmental strategies. This position plays a critical role in the implementation of functional behavioral assessments, behavior intervention plans, and evidence-based strategies to ensure students receive appropriate supports in educational settings. The Project Manager will coordinate and provide technical assistance regarding the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for behavior statewide.

Please note: This role is field based and requires traveling across Oklahoma to provide in-person professional development, including participating in committees and stakeholder meetings to provide supports of interpreting and implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in special education, school psychology, behavior analysis, behavior science, or closely related field [official transcripts required upon hire];

• Possession of a valid special education teacher, school psychometry, school psychology, or board certified behavior analyst (BCBA);

• Five (5) years of experience working with students with disabilities as a special education teacher or director, school psychometrist, school psychologist, registered behavior technician (RBT) interventionist, BCBA, or a combination;

• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Develop, write, and revise Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AAAS) aligned with grade-level expectations, Essential Elements, and the Oklahoma Academic Standards (OAS).

• ollaborate with the agency’s offices of assessment, student support, teaching and learning, and special education teams, including local education agency representatives to ensure vertical alignment and coherence across instructional materials for behavioral supports, as well as alternate standards and assessments.

• Provide professional development and technical assistance to educators on implementing assessments, instructional materials, writing IEP goals and objectives/benchmarks in alignment to the alternate standards and differentiated instructional strategies.

• Participate in the State Textbooks Committee to provide input involving rigorous, state-level evaluation of instructional materials which are aligned to the alternate academic achievement standards adopted by the State Department of Education, ensuring expert-reviewed, high-quality resources for school districts across Oklahoma to select from the approved statewide adoption list for their special education education textbooks and instructional materials. Part of the State Textbook adoption cycle involves an application process to assemble review teams comprised of subject matter esxperts for each subject area under review to assist with the thorough reviews using an instructional material evaluation rubric as outlined in 70 O.S.  § 16-111. May also be required to participate in the State Textbooks Committee to review instructional materials aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards to determine high-quality resources for students with disabilities accessing the general education curriculum.

• Specialized knowledge and/or training in the area of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) federal regulations and the Oklahoma Special Education Policies and Procedures;

• Knowledge of the administration of special education services for behavior programs involving special education students;

• Specialized knowledge in high-quality behavior data collection and data analysis skills to create hypotheses regarding the function of the behavior to develop targeted, evidence-based interventions;

• Ability to provide training and coaching/supervision with school personnel and families regarding the behavior intervention plan linked to data collection to determine whether additional adaptations are necessary.

• Knowledge of adult learning theory and methods;

• Experience providing professional development at the district and state level.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship now or in the future;

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;

• Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Knowledge & Expertise: In-depth understanding of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for behavior and academics. Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and other evidence-based behavioral models. Expertise in functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address student needs effectively. Analyze data and feedback from field implementation to inform continuous improvement of programs, alternate standards and instructional guidance. Serve as a content expert on alternate assessments, behavioral interventions, and evidence-based practices.

• Collaboration: Collaborate with school districts, educators, parents, and community organizations to assess needs, gather feedback, and ensure effective communication throughout the project lifecycle. Foster partnerships and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders.

• Professional Development: Prepare and present reports, documentation, research and recommendations for district leadership and other stakeholders regarding alternative assessments, alternate academic achievement standards and instruction in alignment to the alternate standards. Research and present evidence-based practices regarding the implementation of MTSS behavioral supports. Lead and deliver professional development for educators and administrators focused on MTSS implementation, layering of academic and behavioral supports and intervention alignment across tiers. Professional development on progress monitoring to drive instructional strategies and interventions. Coordinate and monitor implementation of strategic initiatives to improve compliance, service delivery, and instructional practices in special education. Analyze student performance and program data to identify trends, measure impact, and inform continuous improvement efforts when developing professional development.

• Project Development & Implementation: Develop comprehensive project plans, including defining project scope, objectives, deliverables, and timelines. Conduct thorough research and analysis to identify best practices and evidence-based approaches for instructional materials and behavioral programming.

• Project Management: Establish performance metrics and evaluation methods to assess project progress and effectiveness. Regularly track and report on project milestones, deliverables, and outcomes to stakeholders and senior management.

• Compliance: Stay up-to-date with federal and state regulations, policies, and guidelines related to special education and evidence-based interventions/strategies. Ensure projects adhere to legal requirements and maintain high ethical standards.

• Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for improvement within behavior programs and develop strategies to enhance service delivery. Recommend changes and innovations based on evaluation findings and emerging research. Provide coaching and technical assistance to district and school teams implementing special education policies and procedures for continuous improvement in alignmen to IDEA. Provide training and coaching for teaching to alternate standards and how to use data to improve instructional strategies. Read and research best practices for improving the implementation of academics and behavior within the MTSS framework for students with disabilities.

• Monitoring and Compliance: Monitoring the compliance of the Oklahoma Alternate Assessment Program (OAAP) to make certain IEP teams are utilizing the data requirements and checklist for determining only the students with the most significant cognitive and adaptive behavior delays participate in the alternate assessment. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) mandates that no more than 1% of all students assessed in a state can participate in an alternate assessment aligned with the alternate academic achievement standards (AAAS). This reporting to the U.S. Department of Education is intended to ensure that the vast majority of students with disabilities take the general assessment aligned to the general education standards, while only students with the most significant cognitive disabilities take the alternate assessment.

• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.

• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.

• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.

• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.

• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES 

• Effective Communication: Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.

• Adaptability: Thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.

• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.

• Decisive Planning: Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.

• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism seeking constructive outcomes.

• Visionary Thinking: Envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.

• Accountability: Takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.

• Coaching and Mentoring: Guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.

• Team Building: Builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.

• Results Orientation: Drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.

• Technology Proficiency: Identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location:  Assigned location in and around Oklahoma

• Work Environment includes:

  • Field Work: Frequent travel to various locations around Oklahoma, involving outdoor exposure to varied weather conditions, rough or uneven terrain, and potential interaction with diverse environments, facilities, and community sites.

  • Office Setting: Climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise; the employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.

• Physical Demands include:

  • Ability to stand, reach, and bend 50% of the time;

  • Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, and office telephone 75% of the time;

  • Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;

  • Ability to lift to 25 lbs.

• Cognitive Requirements:

  • This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.

  • Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.

  • Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.

TRAVEL

50% in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to provide a general understanding of the position's essential duties and responsibilities. It is not an employment contract or agreement, and the duties may change as per business needs without prior notice. The employer reserves the right to modify, revise, or terminate any policies, procedures, or benefits described herein at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

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