Program Coordinator

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, PUF/SDF Validation, this position functions within the parameters of applicable government and ministry legislation, regulations, policies, directives and procedures in order to administer programs and services that impact the education of children and students.

The Program Coordinator is a key member of a team responsible for providing leadership, direction, and planning for the Program Unit Funding Grant (PUF) verification processes. The PUF Grant verification process is the department's assurance that school authorities are adhering to the criteria outlined in the Funding Manual for School Authorities and the Special Education Coding Criteria.

The Program Coordinator will review reports from school authorities and ECS providers. These reports include Individualized Program Plans (IPPs), standardized tests and functional, language, behaviour and general learning assessments. Knowledge of these reports and tests is critical to accurately verify the assignment of a special education code. In addition, the position analyses the PUF process and makes recommendations that may impact the ministry, school authorities and other ministries.

The Program Coordinator will have knowledge regarding child development and education of children and students with disabilities to provide leadership and build awareness within the ministry regarding the value of early childhood services programs for children with severe disabilities and their families.

The Program Coordinator will have extensive contact with school authority staff and ECS operators responsible for the assignment of special education codes, and provide timely and accurate information to these stakeholders regarding severe disabilities coding criteria and PUF assessment and documentation requirements, and other related legislative and funding manual requirements. This position also requires coordination and collaboration with other business areas including: staff in Program and System Support Division, and across other divisions within the department and other ministries across the Government of Alberta.

Role Responsibilities Continued

As Program Coordinator, you will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following activities:

1. Complete the review and audit of Severe Disabilities Funding (SDF) files to ensure fair and reasonable access to educational opportunities for students.
2. Providing leadership and direction in assisting stakeholders in determining grant eligibility to ensure Alberta Education and Childcare meets its mandate of providing an inclusive education system to all children and students.
3. Providing guidance regarding the interpretation of the applicable sections of the Education Act and legal practices concerning verification process to ensure fairness, equity and transparency to all stakeholders.
4. Annually reviewing the eligibility related to SDF Unit Funding grants including audit initiatives to ensure the program and the funded initiatives and services meets the direction and mandate of the Branch/Division and Ministry.
5. Providing advice, identification of issues and developing integrated solutions to support the Branch and Division in achieving goals and objectives.
6. Collecting data to inform business area and provide evidence of trends and issues.
7. Leading the review and verification of Program Unit Funding (PUF) files to ensure fair and reasonable access to educational opportunities for children.
8. Providing leadership and direction in assisting ECS stakeholders in determining grant eligibility  to ensure Alberta Education and Childcare meets its mandate of providing an inclusive education system to all children and students.
9. Leading the review and approval of nominations for Certificate of School Completion (CSC) eligibility for students in Grade 12 across Alberta.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies:

• Creative Problem Solving: Focuses on continuous improvement and increasing breadth of insight.
• Agility: Works with team members to implement process and procedure improvements. Along with the manager, leads short- and long-term planning for the unit. Oversees special projects.
• Develop Networks: Works on maintaining close relations with all stakeholders.
• Agility: Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change.
• Develop Self and Others: Seeks out learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field like Medical Sciences, Education or related field plus two years years of progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience is considered on the basis of one year of education for one year of experience or one year of experience for one year of education.

Knowledge and/or experience of the following are considered assets for this position:

• Teaching experience or experience in therapeutic or social support is preferred.
• Ability to design, deliver and implement Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) using  the Alberta's K to 12 curriculum and programs of study.
• Knowledge and experience with the education of children and students with disabilities.
• Interpretation and reporting results from standardized tests.
• Training & experience with conducting functional, language, behaviour and/or general learning assessments.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

There is (1) permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position is based in 44 Capital Blvd, Edmonton.

Resumes must include precise employment dates (month and year) details.

Applicants must include a cover letter detailing how their education and experience align with the requirements of this role.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.