Sped School Improvement Specialist (00635)

Montana Historical Society; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Leave & Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

Office of Public Instruction in Montana seeks a Sped School Improvement Specialist to oversee special education program implementation across districts, ensuring compliance with IDEA and ARM. The role supports LEAs and families, conducts monitoring, and provides training to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

The position emphasizes collaboration with LEAs, families, and internal staff to identify noncompliance, support corrective action, and advance statewide supervision systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in special education or education.
• Three years of experience in special education, general education, compliance, or related work.
• Knowledge of IDEA and special education processes (IEPs, evaluations, eligibility, discipline, transition).
• Ability to interpret and apply special education statutes, regulations, and policy.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor districts and cooperatives for IDEA compliance.
• Provide training and technical assistance to LEAs.
• Support continuous improvement activities of local education agencies to ensure FAPE.

Skills

IDEA knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Time management

Confidentiality

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in special education

Job description

Job Description - Sped School Improvement Specialist (00635) (26142398)

Position Title:

Sped School Improvement Specialist (00635) - ( 26142398 )

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

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 OPI’s 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 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

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 State’s 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.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor’s 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

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

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, https://www.e-verify.gov/

Applicant Pool Statement : If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment : This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary

32.15 - 32.15 Hourly Telework Eligibility : Telework Eligible (Full-time telework is not available. Telework schedule must be supervisor approved.) Benefits Package Eligibility : Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular Schedule : Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 25 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena

Other Locations

Kalispell, Bozeman, Billings, Butte, Missoula, Great Falls

Agency

Office of Public Instruction

Union

Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

Sep 22, 2026, 10:29:28 PM

Closing Date

Ongoing

Required Application Materials

Resume

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.