Job Description
PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE Job ID: 26888
Agency: Department of Education - Division of Accreditation and Certification
Location: Pierre
Salary: $26.72 - $33.69 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GJ
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Are you passionate about education? Are you interested in the opportunity to support districts in their efforts to ensure quality education for South Dakota students?
WE NEED YOUR SKILLS TO ASSIST THE DISTRICTS OF South DAKOTA! The Department is looking for a qualified individual to fill an Educational Program Specialist I (Accreditation Specialist) position in the Office of Accreditation. This position will not be remote and will be located in Pierre. Some travel will be required in this role. Start date will be May 24, 2024.
Accreditation Specialists are leaders who provide statewide support for districts and university education preparation programs through the accreditation process. Accreditation is an integral part of verifying districts provide quality instruction to South Dakota students. The Accreditation Specialist will help ensure that districts and preparation programs maintain minimum standards and will assist in monitoring corrective action measures when needed. This position will also assist with required Civil Rights reviews within districts and postsecondary institutions. Frequent contact with school administrators, teachers, preparation programs, and the public is required.
The South Dakota Department of Education works to ensure that all students in the state graduate college, career, and life ready.
As an Accreditation Specialist, you will have the opportunity to:
- Assist districts in achieving a standard of district and school quality.
- Perform on-site visits and reviews of school districts and educator preparation programs.
- Provide technical assistance and support to district administrators to achieve and maintain accreditation.
- Review accreditation rules to identify changes that will ensure a clear and constructive process.
- Support district and school leaders to understand the requirements of accreditation and how they impact school quality.
- Maintain positive working relationships with district and school leaders.
- Research and understand accreditation processes from a national perspective and provide continuous improvement to South Dakota's process.
- Educate district and school leaders and other education stakeholders about changes to accreditation requirements.
- Ensure that schools and districts are providing access for all students to educational programs in compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Collaborate with accreditation professionals across the nation.
- Be part of a team of professional, dependable and accountable individuals.
What we offer to you beyond the paycheck:
- Health Insurance ($0 employee-only premium option)
- Well-Being Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employees)
- Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System
- Vacation Leave (15 paid vacation days per year)
- Sick Leave (14 paid sick days)
- Paid Family Leave (40 hours per week for twelve weeks for birth or adoption of a child)
- Military Leave (15 paid days per calendar year)
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Longevity Pay
- Semimonthly Pay Periods
For additional information regarding the benefits offered to state employees, please visit https://bhr.sd.gov/benefits/ .
This is a Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly position with the Department of Education - Division of Accreditation and Certification. For more information on the Department of Education, please visit https://doe.sd.gov/ .
Licenses and Certifications: Educator certification and leadership experience is preferred.
The Ideal Candidate Will Have: Completed a teacher or administrator preparation program and have a minimum of three years of experience in a K-12 school system.
Knowledge of:
- K-12 accreditation and certification statutes, rules, and policies;
- educator preparation program accreditation rules and standards;
- state regulations for accredited schools;
- federal Civil Rights laws and regulations as pertaining to K-12 and postsecondary institutions;
- conducting accreditation reviews; and
- Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
Skill to:
- develop comprehensive strategies and systems to effectively accredit K-12 school districts and educator preparation programs to ensure quality;
- assist with the implementation of accreditation initiatives such as trainings, procedural updates, and administrative rule waivers;
- work in collaboration with teams across the organization to implement organizational policies and procedures, including accreditation-related technical assistance, training, tools and support for districts and stakeholders;
- develop and advance accreditation within a framework of continuous improvement;
- review scope, schedule, and budget for assigned projects to plan and execute work; and
- provide presentations and training about the accreditation process.
Ability to:
- serve on K-12 and Higher Education Educator Preparation program accreditation teams;
- assure public school compliance with established laws, rules, policies, and procedures impacting school performance and improvement;
- prepare a comprehensive report for the school principals, superintendents, and the local school boards concerning accreditation;
- use problem solving and investigative skills;
- communicate effectively with multiple diverse audiences;
- think strategically and solve problems creatively;
- work as part of a team in a collaborative nature;
- work with people at all levels of the department, in higher education and K-12 schools, and the public;
- efficiently manage multiple priorities and projects;
- work independently as well as a in a team-oriented environment;
- provide courteous, consistent, efficient service through the performance of the prescribed job duties; and
- use video conferencing, charts, spreadsheets, and databases.
Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your cover letter, resume, and three references.This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.
The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.
The State of South Dakota offers employer paid health insurance plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.
Must apply online: https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=PMJ
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"