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Special Education Program Specialist Jobs in Decatur, IL

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Special Education Program Specialist information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$30.6K

$74.2K

$136.8K

How much do special education program specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for special education program specialist in Decatur, IL is $74,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $99,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special education program specialist?

A Special Education Program Specialist is an educational professional who supports and oversees special education programs within schools or districts. They ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate services, comply with legal requirements, and help develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Program Specialists also collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to provide training, resources, and guidance on best practices in special education. Their role is vital in promoting inclusive education and meeting the diverse needs of students.

How does a special education program specialist typically collaborate with teachers and families to support student success?

A Special Education Program Specialist works closely with teachers by providing expertise on instructional strategies, assisting in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and offering ongoing support to ensure compliance with legal requirements. They also serve as a liaison between families and the school, facilitating meetings, addressing parent concerns, and ensuring that each student's unique needs are met. Effective collaboration often involves regular communication, co-planning, and professional development to build a supportive environment for students with disabilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special education program specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Education Program Specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of special education laws, assessment practices, and program development, usually supported by a teaching credential and advanced certification in special education. Familiarity with Individualized Education Program (IEP) software, data analysis tools, and educational compliance systems is important. Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills help you effectively support teachers, students, and families. These competencies ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate services and achieve optimal educational outcomes.

What is the difference between Special Education Program Specialist vs Special Education Teacher?

AspectSpecial Education Program SpecialistSpecial Education Teacher
CredentialsRequires state certification or licensure, often a master's degree in special education or related fieldRequires state certification or licensure, typically a bachelor's or master's degree in education with a special education endorsement
Work EnvironmentWorks in school districts, administrative offices, or program settings, focusing on program development and complianceWorks directly in classrooms with students with disabilities, implementing individualized education plans (IEPs)
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by school districts, educational agencies, or state departments, focusing on program managementEmployed by schools or districts, focusing on direct student instruction and support

In summary, Special Education Program Specialists focus on program development, compliance, and district-level support, while Special Education Teachers work directly with students to implement educational plans. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

What job categories do people searching Special Education Program Specialist jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Special Education Program Specialist jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Special Education Program Specialist jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Special Education Program Specialist job openings:

Infographic showing various Special Education Program Specialist job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,184 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Special Education Support Specialist - Central Office - Decatur, GA (ADM)

Georgia

Decatur, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Explore a World of Opportunity with the State of Georgia!

We are the force that drives Georgia!
Georgia State Government is a large enterprise, composed of various agencies and entities with a common goal to improve the lives of Georgia's more than 10 million citizens!
Join Team Georgia and impact lives everyday while receiving a robust benefits package designed for every stage of your career!

Job Title:

Special Education Support Specialist - Central Office - Decatur, GA (ADM)

Job Requisition ID:

JR0000002642

Number of Openings:

2

Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Compensation Details:

BASED ON EXPERIENCE (ANNUAL SALARY)

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Education Support Specialist for students with disabilities will assist in the development and

evaluation of curriculum for Students with Disabilities (SWD) in accordance with Federal and State laws and

procedures, and Department of Juvenile Justice policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provides support for Teaching and Learning across academic settings by consulting with teachers, locating materials, connecting teachers with General Education Support Specialists, and informing teachers of Professional Development opportunities
  • Provides support for behavior intervention and discipline across DJJ school settings by observing students, consulting with teachers, modeling strategies, and informing teachers of staff development opportunities
  • Provides formal and informal Professional Development to teachers (monthly training) and administrators
  • Communicates on a regular basis with school administrators regarding staff concerns and discipline
  • Attends all appropriate IEP meetings (legal, parental concerns, and initials, etc.)
  • Collaborates with teachers, psychologist, and administrators to meet timelines for IEPs and evaluations
  • Collaborates with low incidence consultants on an as need basis
  • Collaborates with building test coordinator to ensure compliance of District and Statewide Assessments
  • Completes comprehensive initial, re-evaluation eligibility reports
  • Maintains re-evaluation and initial evaluation logs
  • Provides correction of noncompliance in a timely manner
  • Provides timely and accurate data submission
  • Checks expired IEPs and eligibility reports in Go IEP weekly and respond in a timely fashion
  • Collaborates with the case manager, lead teacher, clerks to establish a process of entering and exiting SWD
  • Facilitates Professional Learning trainings as it relates to Special Education
  • Completes one classroom observation per site monthly
  • Checks IEPs for compliance prior to meetings and finalization
  • Provides assistance in the development of Individualized Education Programs for new and struggling Special Education teachers. Assists in the development of data collection strategies
  • Functions as LEA when neutral facilitation or specialized expertise is needed
  • Analyzes and interprets curriculum-based data to improve student outcomes and overall program effectiveness in meeting externally imposed standards.
  • Assists Special Education Director in the collection and completion of required reports on programs and services for students in a timely manner
  • Participates in activities which lead to continued professional growth including General Education Professional Development
  • Completes site visits monthly.
  • Completes one "At a Glance," per site monthly
  • Reviews LRE for each SWD monthly
  • Recommends changes of instructional practices as necessary for SWD
  • Performs other duties or assume additional responsibilities as requested by the Director of Special Education
  • Assists Area Superintendents and Principals with screening Special Education applicants as needed
  • Assists with the development of the Master schedule and scheduling of SWD Delivers SWD supplies to assigned sites
  • Submits supply and material orders to assigned sites
  • Maintains assigned vehicle, adhering to maintenance schedule
  • Assists with state testing according to directives
  • Maintains a permanent inventory of equipment available to students with disabilities and all equipment and materials purchased by the district for Special Education per site.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

  • Master's Degree in Education (Required)
  • Specialist Degree in Curriculum/ Administration (Preferred)

Experience:

  • Minimum of five (5) years of successful special education teaching experience
  • Competency with a variety of instructional strategies
  • Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Assistant Deputy Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Administers, scores and interprets assessment instruments to assist with the identification, placement, and instruction/behavioral programming for students with disabilities.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local procedures regarding Individuals with Disabilities Act and students with disabilities
  • Ability to work effectively with school administrators and lead teachers
  • Advocates for free and appropriate education for students with disabilities
  • Uses electronic programs to manage data and information

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Holds or is eligible to receive a Georgia Educator Certificate in Special Education
  • Leadership Certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements:

  • Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed
  • The job also requires the following physical abilities in order to perform the essential job functions: hearing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Working Conditions:

  • Employee in this position work in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unprecedented requirements or demands
  • Requires frequent travels to juvenile detention facilities throughout Georgia

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Juvenile Justice is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We are a qualified employer for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

For more information, visithttps://djj.georgia.gov/Online-Applications/employee-benefits

THIS IS AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED POSITION.

THE SELECTED APPLICANT FOR THE POSITION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A REFERENCE CHECK AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK, WHERE APPLICABLE

PLEASE INCLUDE ALL RELEVANT JOB INFORMATION ON THE APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION.

ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PRESCREENED.

DJJ IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minimum Qualifications:

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

The State of Georgia does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other protected categories in employment or the provision of services.
Qualified applicants may request reasonable accommodation when needed during the application and/or screening process by contacting the appropriate agency Human Resources department.