Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

ESS, Education Program Specialist

Job Location:

Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section
Phoenix Location

Posting Details:

Salary: $66,000 - $71,000 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 03/08/2026

Job Summary:

• As part of the general supervision requirements set forth by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) this position monitors special education programs for compliance with Federal and State requirements pertaining to special education in the role of a lead monitor or a team member.
• Frequent in-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.

Job Duties:

• Serve as consultants to assigned Public Education Agencies (PEAs), offering technical assistance and professional development in special education related areas and data requirements
• Conduct on-site visits to assigned PEAs to review files for the SPP/APR compliance indicators and review PEA data to aid in improving outcomes for students with disabilities
• Provide technical assistance on indicator requirements
• Monitor special education programs, either acting as lead monitor or participating on monitoring teams
• Analyze results and compliance data from PEAs for decision-making related to monitoring and technical assistance
• Participate in various department/division task teams, special projects, and professional development, as necessary, to carry out work-related requirements
• Answer questions from the public pertaining to the State and Federal requirements that apply to special education
• 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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:
• Federal and State laws and implementing regulations in the area of special education
• Administration of special education programs in public schools; public school structure, organization, and funding
• Data analysis and assessment
• Arizona Academic Standards and instruction
• State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Review and secondary transition
• Applicants must have taught or administered a special education program.
• A bachelor’s degree in special education, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.

Skills in:
• Program evaluation; data collection analysis, and recording
• Oral and written communication
• Public speaking and public relations
• Interpersonal relationships
• Facilitation and internet research
• Basic skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Ability to:
• Plan; organize; coordinate; prioritize; problem solve
• Derive conclusions from existing data
• Make decisions independently with available knowledge and resources

Selective Preference(s):

• Preference will be given to those applicants with a Master’s degree in special education, serving as a social services provider with a public agency or certification in special education and experience serving as a teacher, related service provider, or administrator in a public school.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

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).

Benefits:

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

Retirement:

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.

Contact Us:

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.