STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Pupil Services Specialist (12 Month) (35 Hour)

Hybrid

Recruitment #230929-6659T4-001

Introduction



Are you interested in a career that you are passionate about and receive personal fulfillment while making a difference, then we invite you to take this opportunity to be a part of our team! 

The State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families (DCF) is looking for multiple qualified applicants to join our team as a Pupil Services Specialist in either our Waterbury or New Haven Offices! 

What We Have To Offer!
  • To work for a Forbes top company: ‘Forbes’ State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
  • Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage
  • Comprehensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings
  • Retirement healthcare offerings
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • Outstanding work-life balance
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.  Click here for more information
          Your role as a Pupil Services Specialist
          The Pupil Service Specialist will be providing support to the social work hierarchy in ensuring appropriate educational services. They will assist the social work team and members of the Regional Resource Group in a broad range of educational topic areas, including but not inclusive of the following:  
          • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and all inherent components & associated guidance from the federal Department of Education (DOE), the Federal Office of Civil Rights within the DOE & the CT State Department of Education (CSDE). 
          • Current and existing CT Education Laws (including interface w/ child welfare laws such as CGS 17a-16a) as well as recent Public Acts impacting education. 
          • CT Special Education Regulations. 
          • Scientific Research Based Interventions (SRBI) & progress monitoring. Statewide standardized assessments. 
          • Bi-lingual and English Language Learner laws and services. 
          • Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) presently termed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). 
          • Interface with the Local and Regional Education Agencies, Regional Education Service Centers and (RESC) CSDE Approved Private Special Education Programs (APSEP) within the DCF regional catchments. 
          • Connecticut State Department of Education guidance documents and direct interface (with their Bureau of Special Education, Legal Affairs, Homeless Education, etc.). 
          • Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children - out-of-state CT placements and placements by other states into CT.  
          Schedule
          • Full-time, first shift, 35 hours per week
          • Monday - Friday Schedule
          • Located in Waterbury or New Haven
          • Statewide travel may be expected as a part of these roles
          Who We Are
          At DCF, we are partnering with communities and empowering families to raise resilient children who thrive. We are proud of our diverse and dedicated workforce who strive every day to meet the needs of those we encounter.  We are composed of a Central Office, 14 area offices, and 2 residential facilities, and the Wilderness School.

          We hope you take this opportunity to join our team and make a difference!

          Selection Plan

          Application Process:

          This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. 

          In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.

          In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date, unless otherwise specified.

          The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

          All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

          Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the state of Connecticut.

          Selection Process:

          This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

          During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc. at the discretion of the agency.

          Contact Information:

          Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. 

          Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Ethan Ives at Ethan.Ives@ct.gov.

          PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

          In a state institution, facility or region within a state unified school district, performs professional services within the area of pupil personnel and special education services in a school setting and serves in a resource capacity and consultant to teachers.

          EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

          Performs services for students in the area of special training such as educational diagnosis, counseling, speech and hearing, social work, or psychological services; serves in a resource capacity to educational staff and other appropriate individuals; confers with parents and teachers concerning individual students and assists in planning educational programs; keeps records and makes necessary reports; may serve as liaison with school systems and community services; performs related duties as required.

          KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

          Knowledge of the philosophy and methods of service delivery to the assigned disciplines; knowledge of the principles and practices of education and or services for special needs population; ability to motivate students; ability to communicate at the appropriate level; ability to establish cooperative relationships with those contacted in planning educational programs; ability to prepare written reports; ability to perform educational testing.

          MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

          A Master's degree which includes a planned program of preparation for the field in which the special services are performed.

          PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

          • Connecticut state department of education endorsement codes (165) Comprehensive Special Education and/or (092) Intermediate Administration or Supervision is required

          SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

          1. Incumbents in this class must possess an appropriate certificate issued by the Connecticut State Board of Education in special education or special services areas such as school counselor (elementary or secondary), speech and hearing consultant, school psychologist, psychological examiner or school social worker.
          2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle operator's license.

          CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS

          In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made prior to appointment.

          Conclusion

          AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

          The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.