Principal Consultant for Specialized Placements

Location: Springfield or Chicago Union: IFSOE Department: Special Education Anticipated Starting Salary Range: $64,322 - $81,284 Full Salary Range : $64,322 - $109,467 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Posted Date: October 21, 2026 Reporting to the Supervisor, is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of programs which impact on the services to students who have or are suspected of having a disability; monitors and approves programs; participates in the review and recommendation for approval of contracts, grants or projects; acts as a communication link between various public entities; provides programmatic consultation and assists in the overall department facilitation of activities for the purpose of improving educational programs.

Duties and Responsibilities: Assists in the administration of the public and nonpublic special education facility system including evaluation and approval of nonpublic special education facility applications, annual review and revision of the application forms and process, developing recommendations for improvements in the policies, procedures and rules for the program and serving as a communication link and technical assistant resource to nonpublic special education facilities, school districts and others. Serves as team leader and team member on review visits to nonpublic special education facilities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including analysis of data, development of investigative plans, on-site data collection, interviewing of personnel, analysis of findings, preparation of reports with corrective action plans and oversight of follow-up activities. Participates in the department's regulatory functions of general supervision and serves as an Agency representative and provides technical assistance regarding collection and reporting of data, including the development and implementation of activities associated with the State Performance Plan and Board goals. Participates in the development and ongoing review/revision of publications, documents and other materials that are required to carry out the Agency's activities. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: Master's degree in Special Education, Education, Educational Administration, or Pupil Personnel Services (school counselor, school psychologist, school social worker), or, a Bachelor's degree in one of these areas plus two years of relevant professional experience. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION) Two years of experience (in addition to education requirements) providing education, special education, or pupil personnel services to students with disabilities in public or nonpublic elementary and/or secondary schools. Working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities. Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing. Knowledge of current issues and best practices in the field of special education. Knowledge of methods, practices and procedures for serving students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Teaching and/or administrative certificate. Experience providing education, special education, or pupil personnel services to students with disabilities in public or nonpublic elementary and/or secondary schools within the last five years. Experience with nonpublic special education facilities. General experience working with students from diverse social and cultural backgrounds. Experience in a variety of educational settings. Knowledge of methods, practices and procedures for serving students with disabilities from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.