Special Education Program Specialist

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OPPORTUNITY
The primary function of this role is to contribute to our Special Education mission to support all students with disabilities to have a choice-filled lives by graduating prepared to succeed in their rigorous and meaningful individualized post-secondary school, career, and life plans. This position plays a key role in strengthening inclusive academic practices and promoting access to the least restrictive environment (LRE), with the ultimate goal of equipping students for long-term success in school and beyond. Key responsibilities include:
 
Responsibilities 
Coaching both Special Education and General Education teachers to implement inclusive, standard-aligned instruction, intervention cycles, co-teaching models, and proactive classroom management strategies across multiple campuses
Demonstrated ability to teach and apply the Science of Reading, utilizing multi-tiered levels of support to accelerate reading growth for diverse learners.
Applying knowledge of reading/math intervention program implementation through improvement science (e.g., Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles).
Strong working knowledge of MTSS frameworks and demonstrated ability to coach staff and site teams in implementing coherent, data-driven systems of intervention across academic, behavioral, and social-emotional domains.
Demonstrates deep knowledge of lesson and unit planning aligned to standards, supporting teachers in designing rigorous, accessible, and differentiated instruction that meets diverse learner needs.
Promoting equitable access to rigorous academics through modeling lessons, leading focused observations, and facilitating professional learning on research-based instructional strategies and practices grounded in the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework
Demonstrated ability to teach and apply the Science of Reading, utilizing multi-tiered levels of support to accelerate reading growth for diverse learners.
Supporting teachers in designing flexible and differentiated learning environments that proactively reduce barriers to access and engagement for all learners.
Utilizing a reflective coaching model to build teacher capacity through observation cycles, standards-based debriefs, and collaborative lesson planning
Supporting educators in analyzing assessment data and student work to guide instructional decision-making that is responsive to student strengths, needs, and progress
Collaborating with site administrators and Lead SPED Teachers to co-design school site professional development that centers inclusive academic practices and high-leverage instructional moves
Designing and delivering district wide professional development that centers inclusive academic practices and high-leverage instructional moves
Ensuring instructional practices support students’ post-secondary goals, with a strong emphasis on college, career, and community readiness
Program Support
Providing individualized coaching before, during, and after IEP meetings to support inclusive, student-centered planning and decision-making
Training teachers on special education policies and providing technical assistance to ensure consistent implementation of services and supports
Co-developing inclusive program models that center student voice, family partnership, and equitable access to services and supports
Collaborating with school leaders, program administrators and counselors to ensure master schedules and student course placements align with IEPs and promote access to the general education curriculum
Collaborating with school leaders and special education teams to design and implement systems that promote sustainable inclusive practices, progress monitoring, and instructional coaching cycles for core and intervention programs. 
Compliance
Supporting the development and implementation of high-quality, compliant IEPs that reflect student strengths, needs, and aspirations
Ensuring timely and accurate enrollment, placement, and service documentation across data systems such as Welligent or SEIS
Serving as the administrator designee in IEP meetings, ensuring collaboration, legal compliance, and student-centered decision-making for inclusive options
Other Duties as Assigned
This role also contributes to broader efforts to build inclusive school systems, support a culture of continuous learning, and ensure that all students—including those with disabilities—can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
QUALIFICATIONS
As an ideal candidate, you:
Hold a valid Clear/Level II Education Specialist Credential (required) and, ideally, a CA Administrative Services Credential
Have a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent (preferred)
Bring at least 5 years of special education teaching experience, with a record of improving student achievement; experience across multiple settings (e.g., SDP, RSP) is highly desirable
Demonstrated expertise in structured literacy implementation, including coaching teachers in fidelity-based delivery and using data to drive intervention decisions. 
Experience designing or supporting schoolwide or cross-campus systems for inclusive education, coaching, and intervention is highly desirable.  
Demonstrated expertise in leading the design, facilitation, and evaluation of professional development aligned to organizational goals, incorporating adult learning principles, inclusive practices, and data-driven decision-making to build staff capacity and improve student outcomes.
Possesses strong knowledge of IDEA, California Standards-Based Instruction, RtI frameworks, behavior strategies, and Education Code
Have experience in urban school settings, preferably middle or high schools, and a passion for driving education reform
Exhibit demonstrated leadership, management, and team-building skills
Communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms, with excellent collaboration and organizational abilities
Operate with high ethical standards, self-awareness, dependability, humility, and a sense of humor
Are deeply committed to Green Dot’s mission and the communities we serve
Can pass a TB test and background check at the time of offer
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is $85,000 to $95,000. Opportunities for salary growth are available over time; however, offers near the upper end of the salary range are uncommon. Individual education and experience will be considered when issuing offers. 
Green Dot also offers one of the most robust and comprehensive benefits packages in the industry (for both you and your dependents): 
> Full-time employees are eligible to participate in Green Dot’s benefit plans, effective on the first of the month following their date of hire  
> PPO, EPO and HMO choices for medical, dental and vision - including a 100% employee-only paid option; multiple tiers available for purchase at a reduced cost for dependents 
> Employee Assistance Program (100% employer-paid) 
> Life and AD&D Insurance (100% employer-paid) 
> Optional Term Life & AD&D Insurance 
> Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance (100% employer-paid) 
> Flexible Spending Accounts (health and dependent care) 
> Monthly parking for Central Office-based employees (100% employer-paid) 
> Wellness programs and resources 
> Financial planning/coaching access 
> California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) participation, with both employee and employer contributions
> Optional 401k contribution option 
> Eligible employees receive a discretionary bonus after one year of service as an alternative to a traditional company match at a rate up to 4% of your salary (match of deferral) plus 20% of 4% (to offset taxes on the discretionary bonus). 
> Potential for annual performance-based compensation increases 
> Potential for annual bonuses 
> Approved family care and/or medical leave (unpaid) 
Green Dot also offers generous paid time off for an overall work-life balance, while giving employees the opportunity to impact a growing, mission-driven organization that is committed to the success of all students. 

Green Dot California Central Office, Los Angeles, CA