BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving coordinating and monitoring the efforts of local schools and agencies of state and local government to meet the educational needs of handicapped children from age three to twenty-one. Employees plan, develop and organize all phases of work necessary for its completion within broad program guidelines. Tasks are performed according to procedural guidelines and statutory regulations.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and implements a coordinated, statewide, multiagency plan for funding and the delivery of public school-based services to meet the educational needs of handicapped children from age three to twenty-one in accordance with statutory guidelines; coordinates guidelines among the service providers for the services offered to ensure there is no duplication of efforts; implements guidelines through the public schools for the services provided.

• Researches existing laws and interagency agreements; recommends changes in interagency agreements and state plan as deemed advisable.

• Chairs or co-chairs meetings with planning group to develop agendas and with local educational and service entities to recruit assistance in developing statewide plan.

• Recommends legislation to correct statutory provisions that interfere with interagency agreements, the coordination or delivery of services or that is otherwise necessary for the implementation of the plan.

• Provides leadership and assistance to gubernatorial and legislatively appointed task forces; consults with federal and state officials to effect changes in funding guidelines.

• Prepares comprehensive progress reports which allows the legislature, governor and related committees to evaluate existing and monitor the development of new service designs of the plan for greater service efficiency.

• Promotes public awareness and education regarding the plan by making presentations to community agencies, public organizations and school districts.

• Provides guidance and assistance to families of children with handicaps regarding available services.

LEVEL DESCRIPTOR:

This job family consists of only one level and incumbent employees are responsible for performing all functions related to the position to which assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to eligibility standards; of agency policies and regulations pertaining to children and youth services and facilities; of child abuse laws; of the Oklahoma children and youth service and education system; of the funding of children's services and education; of research methods; of report writing; of supervisory techniques; and of system and planning methodology at the state and local levels. Ability is required to gather and organize information in a meaningful format; to comprehend complex statutes, guidelines and other technical material; to expressing ideas and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to establish priorities and manage time; to supervise personnel; to exercise good judgment in resolving problems; and to make decisions independently.

Education and Experience requirements consist of a master's degree in social work, public administration, public health administration or special education and five years of experience in child welfare, mental retardation or special education, including two years in a supervisory or administrative capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

NOTE: No substitution will be permitted below the level of a bachelor's degree. No substitution will be permitted for the two years of qualifying experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job related travel normally associated with this position.