Director-Systems Involved Youth (Program Specialist IV) Apply

If you’re looking for a new role with a direct impact on education in Nebraska, check this one out! Join the Nebraska Department of Education to improve educational success for systems involved youth (such as students in foster care, in the juvenile justice system, state wards, etc.).

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on creative problem-solving, working with a wide variety of stakeholders, and driving system improvements. If you’re passionate about collaboration and making education work better for systems involved youth, we want to hear from you.

This position is fixed term, with an end date one year from date of hire. Any potential extensions are subject to the continuation and availability of funding.

**The Nebraska Department of Education does not sponsor or transfer non-immigrant work visas for these positions.**  

Office Location: This position is assigned to our office located at 84th & O St, Lincoln, NE.

Essential Functions

• Develops and implements technical processes and practices for residency determination and best interest determinations for systems-involved youth.
• Monitors state and federal legislation related to youth in foster care, facility-based settings, probation or the courts, state wards, and other systems, and ensures compliance with legislation or program standards.
• Develops and facilitates professional learning experiences and provides resources to ensure educational stability for target populations.
• Serves as liaison between the Nebraska Department of Education, registrars, school systems, and Rule 18 program or special purpose schools.
• Provides leadership in the hiring, supervision, and potential discipline of staff.  Conducts performance management activities including establishing annual goals related to the strategic plan, holding check-in meetings to discuss goal progress, and completing performance appraisals.  Facilitates a continuous learning environment by promoting professional development to ensure all employees have the opportunity and skills to be efficient and effective in meeting the goals of the agency.  Delegates work and projects appropriately among staff.
• Maintains regular & reliable attendance, possesses a valid driver’s license and travels independently, and works in a variety of settings.

Working Conditions and Travel:

This position requires approximately 80% of work time spent in an office environment; the remaining 20% is spent traveling or working in alternative sites such as meetings or presentations with partnering agencies or the Legislature. There is no expected overnight travel.

Requirements / Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience related to the essential functions of the position. Any equivalent education and/or work experience may be substituted in order to meet the minimum qualifications of the position.

Preferred Qualifications: Current teaching certificate and previous experience working with special education or systems involved students (e.g., as a caseworker or in a school or residential facility).

This position is federally funded and may be governed by the Federal Hatch Act. Click here to review the Act.