Technical assistance and quality assurance program specialist

Full job description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 26484
Agency: Department of Education
Location: Pierre, potential remote work based on experience and education
Salary: $26.72 - $33.39 per hour, depending on experience
Pay Grade: GH-J
Closing Date: 03/28/2024

Do you have strong communication skills? Do you enjoy assisting others? Are you interested in the opportunity to support professionals who provide services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and their families?

The South Dakota Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood Services is seeking a qualified individual to fill the Technical Assistant and Quality Assurance program specialist for the state's IDEA Part C early intervention program known as Birth to Three. This position reports directly to the Administrator of the Office of Early Childhood Services and will work directly with the Part C/Birth to Three program. This position’s primary duties involve statewide guidance, support, and technical assistance to regional Birth to Three programs including service coordinators, direct service providers, school districts, and families to ensure compliance as required in 34 CRF 303 of IDEA Part C.

The qualified person will oversee program compliance activities including monitoring and technical assistance and training early intervention programs and providers throughout the state based on results and data analysis. They will provide opportunities for collaboration with multiple stakeholders including parents, providers, service coordinators, school districts and other early childhood programs on a state and federal level.

This position is located in Pierre, SD, and requires occasional day and overnight travel both in and out of state. This is a full-time, 40 hour weekly, position. Remote may be a consideration dependent upon applicants experience and education.

Information related to IDEA Part C and the Birth to Three program can be found at and

What we offer to you beyond the paycheck:

• Health Insurance (Low & High Deductible Single and Family Plans)
• Well-Being Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Basic Life Insurance Coverage (free to employee)
• Membership in 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

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Strong communication skills, be highly motivated, think analytically and enjoy multi-tasking. It is desired that candidates have education in early childhood development and experience in Part C or early childhood special education or related field. A minimum of a B.S. Early Childhood or related field. Experience working in early intervention or early childhood special education is also preferred.

Knowledge of:

• state and federal rules and laws pertaining to early intervention including Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Part C;
• South Dakota Early Intervention/Birth to Three;
• data-based decision making skills;
• data system operations, troubleshooting user problems and maintenance; and
• proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook etc.).

It is not expected that the successful candidate be fully knowledgeable about all job duties as training and support will be provided. However, the position will require a great deal of independent learning.

Skill to:

• communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, in a variety of situations such as presenting to large and small groups, telephone conversations, email, virtual, and written communication;
• collaborate with teams across the organization to implement federal and state regulations, rules, policies, and procedures;
• understand and use technology and resources effectively and efficiently;
• demonstrate strong organization and orientation to detail;
• create and provide technical assistance, including training, tools and support to early interventionists across the state;
• use of computers and applicable software used in analyzing problems and devising effective solutions, conducting data searches, evaluating, and translating large amounts of data;
• analyze, understand, and interpret complex data and apply to program functions;
• provide high-quality professional development to adult learners; and
• be resilient and professional under pressure.

Ability to:

• use spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel, to create, modify, print, and format spreadsheets, find and replace data, and work with formulas and functions;
• interpret rules and policies related to South Dakota Birth to Three and IDEA Part C;
• communicate effectively with multiple diverse audiences;
• understand complicated data and federal reporting requirements and be able to resolve discrepancies within data and federal reporting;
• listen attentively and provide courteous, consistent, and efficient services;
• recognize sensitive information and maintain confidentiality;
• assure compliance with established federal and state regulations, rules, policies, and procedures;
• work both independently and as a member of a unified work unit, as well as the ability to seek and follow supervisory direction;
• use investigative skills, think strategically, and solve problems creatively;
• efficiently manage multiple priorities and projects;
• work to build and maintain professional relationships with stakeholders; and
• issue findings of noncompliance and track corrections.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume.

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 This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online:
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: Email:


"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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