Sped School Improvement Specialist (00635)

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelors degree in special education or education.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education general education compliance or related work.

Other combinations of education and experience will be considered case-by-case.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in special education.
• Experience in special education administration monitoring auditing or program evaluation.
• Familiarity with Montana Administrative Rules related to special education.

Does this sound like you

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents you must check the relevant document box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.

E-Verify: This agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9 your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify please visit the E-Verify website found here who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

This first review of applications will be October 6 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisors name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description please email

To be considered for this position you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPIs purpose with applicable knowledge in education health research and analysis nutrition finance administration human resources licensing and regulation information technology and many others. We are proud to serve 149000 students pre-K to grade 12 their parents and guardians 400 school districts 16000 educational professionals and 3000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation sick leave and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

Opportunities and room for professional growth

Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview: The Special Education School Improvement Specialist ensures that Montana school districts and cooperatives implement special education programs in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Montana Administrative Rules (ARM) and applicable state and federal laws. This position plays a critical role in the oversight of the States General Supervision System. Key responsibilities include conducting monitoring activities providing training and technical assistance and supporting continuous improvement activities of local education agencies (LEAs)to ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).The Special Education School Improvement Specialist works collaboratively with local education agencies (LEAs) families and internal OPI staff to identify noncompliance support corrective action and strengthen systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Knowledge of IDEA and special education processes (e.g. IEPs evaluations eligibility discipline transition).

• Ability to interpret and apply special education statutes regulations and policy.
• Strong understanding/background in K-12 education;

Strong analytical and organizational skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Analyzes interprets and summarizes information accurately and clearly
• Strong operational project and time management skills;
• Ability to multi-task adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines while demonstrating accuracy attention to detail perseverance;
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to work independently manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team to ensure complex processes are followed.
• Ability to effectively present technical and complex information to various audiences;
• Proficiency to develop written materials and internal content with attention to details
• Treating co-workers supervisor and others with respect;
• Respectfully works as a team member effectively resolving conflicts effectively seeking improvement in oneself and profession and accepting changes as expectations duties and work directions evolve; and
• Positively interacts and builds relationships with colleagues and other educators through active listening and demonstrating familiarity with educational issues.