Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section
Phoenix Location

Salary: $74000 - $76000

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 02/04/2026

This position leads the coordination of professional resources guidance and professional learning for related service providers and other school personnel; serves as an internal resource and content expert on related services to ensure students with disabilities receive high quality educationally relevant services; and supports achievement of State Performance Plan indicators while assisting public education agencies (PEAs) in recruiting retaining and preparing effective related service providers.
This position uses discretion and experience to monitor federal fund use to ensure alignment with the State Performance Plan for Special Education and to ensure that activities meet the specific needs of schools districts and the ESS unit while also supporting contract budget outcome and intra- and inter-agency coordination.
Occasional in-state / 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.

Oversees the design and provision of professional resources guidance and professional learning opportunities for related service providers including speech-language pathologists occupational therapists physical therapists and school psychologists and other school personnel
Supports the achievement of multiple indicators of the State Performance Plan and improved academic and functional outcomes for students with disabilities
Collaborates with and provide subject expertise to the ESS Assistive Technology team the ESS Recruitment and Retention team the ESS Program Support and Monitoring Unit the ADE Certification Unit the ESS Professional Learning and Sustainability Unit the ESS Transition team the ESS Early Childhood Special Education Unit and external stakeholders such as state and national professional organizations and universities and colleges preparing related service personnel
Serves as a content expert in matters related to the provision of related services
Assists the director in the monitoring of budgets goals and activities and contracts
Participates as a lead specialist in a facilitation capacity when needed in various department/division teams special projects and professional learning as necessary to carry out work-related requirements
Serves in a leadership capacity in lieu of the Professional Learning and Sustainability Director as needed and appropriate assists the director with the monitoring of contracts budgets and outcomes and serves as an intra- and inter-agency liaison
Attends conferences reviews research stays current on special education laws rules policies and guidance and seeks information from experts to remain informed about issues affecting related service providers

Knowledge in:
U.S. and Arizona special education laws rules policies and guidance as it relates to the provision of related services
Arizonas academic standards
National and local trends and issues affecting the provision of related services
Individualized Education Program (IEP) development and implementation
Educator preparation programs in Arizona for related service providers
Principles methods and tools for developing professional learning for adult learners
Vendor and contract management
Applicants must have experience working in a public school district or charter school as a Speech Language Pathologist Occupational Therapist School Psychologist or other related service provider.
Applicants must hold the appropriate Arizona and/or nationally recognized professional credentials certificates and licensure required for their specific related services discipline such as speech language pathology occupational therapy physical therapy school psychology or another related services profession with its corresponding required credentials and licensure.

Skills in:
Excellent time management work planning and productivity
Critical thinking and complex problem solving
Data-driven decision-making
Excellent written oral and visual communication compelling public speaking and strong facilitation for both internal and external audiences
Delivery of engaging and effective adult professional learning
Analysis and evaluation of data programs and program effectiveness

Ability to:
Effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
Represent ESS/ADE in a professional manner at all times
Cooperate in all efforts to improve projects and maintain expectations
Manage multiple projects simultaneously
Remain positive in the work environment
Solve problems efficiently and effectively
Self-directed in completing tasks independently

N/A

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:Drivers 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 programhere. 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 or emailing Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

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