Program Specialist, Special Needs - Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) (2026-2027) at Kern County Superintendent of Schools Share on X - Application Deadline 5/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific Date Posted 4/24/2026 Contact Alejandrina Contreras 661-636-4752 Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range $85,360 - $135,465 Annually Add'l Salary Info $85,360 - $135,465 per year, based on 25 steps. Additional $1,300 annual stipend for Master's Degree and $1,600 annual stipend for Doctorate Degree. Length of Work Year 205 days/12 months per year, 8 hours per day Employment Type Full Time Benefits Prepaid medical, vision and dental plans are provided for the employee and eligible family members. Interviews By May 22, 2026 Job Summary - - This position is for the 2026-2027 School Year. - - Under the direction of the Coordinator in the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) division, observes, consults with, and assists special education teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals to develop, enhance, and implement programs and services for students with special needs. Provides leadership to instructional and support personnel. Develops, coordinates, and delivers staff development workshops, materials, and resources throughout the Kern County Consortium SELPA. Provides consultation and program development to districts in areas related to specific disabling conditions, areas of expertise, and inclusive practices in instruction. This position is located at the Kern County Consortium SELPA Support Services Complex in Bakersfield, CA. Requirements / Qualifications Education and Credentials: - Appropriate California credential(s) or equivalent as specified by regulation, including a valid Special Education credential or School Psychologist authorization, or California credentialing services as a speech and language pathologist. - Master’s Degree. - Specialized in-depth knowledge in one or more major handicapping condition(s), core curriculum, and instructional methodologies. Experience: - Three years educational experience in general or special education classroom instruction or related experience in working with special needs children. - In depth experience and knowledge of methods, strategies, and interventions for students with special needs including the use of visual schedules and structures, alternatives to verbal communication, and augmentative communication. - Successful diagnostic and prescriptive experience in working with children with special needs including experience in determining academic strengths and deficits, matching learning needs to learning modalities, and alignment of instruction. - Thorough practical knowledge in systematic observation, data tracking methods, and implementation of appropriate behavioral interventions for students with special needs in a variety of educational settings. - A history of demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication. - Staff development experience. - Background in transition planning for mild/moderate and moderate/severe students is preferred. Must possess a private vehicle, valid California driver’s license and carry current automobile insurance with at least minimum coverage for public liability and property damage. Fingerprint clearance by both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice is a condition of appointment after all other required job conditions have been met. In addition to submitting the certificated application, qualified candidates should upload: Certificate Copy (Copy of Credential(s))Copy of Transcript. Letter of Introduction (Letter of Interest)Letter(s) of Recommendation (Three (3) letters written within last three (3) years.)Resume Comments and Other Information “The Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital or parental status or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics”. Links Related To This Job KCSOS Human Resources Salary Schedules Job Descriptions Cal. STRS Links Not all postings qualify for Cal. STRS. Informational Only. Cal. STRS Info for New Educators ADD TO WISHLIST VIEW JOB WISHLIST APPLY (Current Employees ONLY) APPLY QUICK APPLY