Position Title
ESE Specialist
Custom Job Purpose
The ESE Specialist monitors and ensures compliance with all criteria, policies and procedures related to Exceptional Student Education. The individual in this position will provide staff development and assist with compliance training in the assigned area.
Essential Functions of this Job
Monitors and ensures compliance of all federal, state and district requirements for completing initial, annual, dismissal, and manifestation determination meetings for students with disabilities and students who are gifted
Provides oversight and support for completion of manifestation meetings
Provide staff development to address procedures for scheduling and facilitating IEP annual reviews and re-evaluation meetings including the assigned program area
Provides staff development and guidance to ensure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least
Restrictive Environment (LRE) is provided
Monitors and ensures compliance using the state indicators outlined in the LEA (Local Education Agency) Profile provided annually by FDOE
Implements and monitors district improvement plans
Participates in staff development and implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for Students with Disabilities
Provides staff development as outlined in on the Polk County’s Exceptional Student Education Policies and Procedures (P&P)
Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Exceptional Student Education and/or designee
Ensures district compliance by documenting an explanation of instructional program, graduation and promotion requirements, transition requirements and due process to parents for students with disabilities
Coordinates specialized trainings or meetings required for assigned programs
Essential Functions of this Job (cont.)
Non-Essential Functions of this Job
Performs any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Master's degree in education with certification in Exceptional Student Education, Educational Leadership or other related field preferred.
Minimum of three (3) years in Exceptional Student Education
Knowledge of the federal, state and local laws and procedures for providing services to students in Exceptional Student Education
Ability to work with parents and all school personnel
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrates knowledge of interpretation of programs and placements for students with disabilities with an understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
Demonstrates knowledge of interpretation of district, state, and federal record reviews and is capable of completing historical audits for discipline actions and outcomes; change of placement/environment considerations
Demonstrates knowledge with the organization, management, and coordination of the specific programs including IDEA revisions
Demonstrates knowledge of reports to ensure the implementation of the state and local requirements as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
Effectively collaborates and communicates with all stakeholders (e.g. parents, teachers, students, and school/district staff) to facilitate student success aligning with the district's vision of increasing graduation rates. Communicates with stakeholders to establish and maintain good relations with school and district personnel, as well as parents/guardians of students with disabilities
Serves as a liaison between the school district and various community groups and agencies
Provides clear direction and builds capacity in the area of compliance with other personnel in the district to ensure best practices related to programmatic guidance. Provide performance feedback.
Effectively assists administrators in ensuring ESE supports and services are aligned with district and state requirements as outlined in the full -time equivalency (FTE) for accounting and reporting
Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance. Physical presence is a part of a reliable and predictable pattern of attendance.
Supports the district’s vision, mission, and goal
Engages in civility, respect, and professionalism.
Maintains the professional knowledge and skills necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position
Work Context
Requires sitting, standing, walking, and moving about to coordinate work. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones, and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with individuals and/or teams. Requires work with students, internal and external contacts, and with the public
Physical Environment
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force regularly or as needed to move objects
Collective Bargaining Agreement
Salary Grade
Pay Grade
FLSA Status
Local Code
EEO5
Approval Date
Date Last Revised
06/09/2026
