Special Education Family Engagement Specialist

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Special Education Family Engagement Specialist Posting Number 26TM0346 Department Effective School Practice Cent Overview

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses.

For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a part-time Special Education Family Engagement Specialist for the Center of Effective School Practice (CESP). The incumbent will support a grant-funded project strengthening Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) across New Jersey. This role is ideal for a parent leader, family advocate, or special education professional with firsthand experience in SEPAGs or special education parent groups who is passionate about building strong partnerships between families and school districts. The Specialist will serve as a resource to districts, schools, and SEPAG leaders, and will develop and curate clear, family-friendly materials that help parent groups form, grow, and engage families effectively. A strong orientation toward family-centered practices, culturally responsive engagement, and accessible communication is essential.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Supports SEPAG leaders and districts in launching, strengthening, and sustaining parent advisory groups.
• Develops and adapts SEPAG resources, such as meeting templates, agendas, outreach tools, and guides, in clear, family-friendly language.
• Facilitates trainings, webinars, and meetings for SEPAG leaders, families, and district staff.
• Gives feedback on how resources are presented online so families can find and use them easily.
• Incorporates best practices for reaching diverse families, including families whose home language is not English and families new to special education.

FLSA Nonexempt Salary Details $30 - $35 per hour Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status Part Time Working Hours 10 - 15 hours per week Daily Work Shift Day Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Terms of Appointment Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field plus two years of experience working with families of children with disabilities in special education settings or in special education parent leadership or advocacy roles, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and New Jersey special education regulations (N.J.A.C.6A:14), including requirements related to SEPAGs.
• Strong writing skills and comfort translating complex information into plain, family-friendly language.
• Experience facilitating meetings or presenting to families, educators, or community groups.
• Understanding of special education processes from the family perspective, such as IEP meetings, transition planning, and accessing supports and services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or certification in special education, education, or a related field.
• Five years of of experience working with families of children with disabilities in special education settings or in special education parent leadership or advocacy roles
• Ability to communicate in a language other than English.

Equipment Utilized

• Office productivity software: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Acrobat, Outlook, Teams Event & TA Delivery systems: Zoom, Google Meet.

Physical Demands and Work Environment Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Open Date 09/28/2026 Posting Close Date 10/13/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Off Campus City Somerset State NJ Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have a Bachelor's degree in a related field plus two years of experience working with families of children with disabilities in special education settings or in special education parent leadership or advocacy roles, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience?
• Yes
• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents