] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → CERTIFICATION SPECIALIST

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Certification Specialist

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Certification Specialist CODE: 5360 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Certification Specialist GRADE: 19 MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under general supervision, performs technical work related to the certification program. Analyzes official transcripts to determine if Maryland State Department of Education(MSDE) certification, and local employment requirements are met in compliance with MSDE COMAR regulations and policies, local MCPS contingency (math, science, multi-cultural relations, regulations, policies and applicable negotiated MCEA contract provisions, and applicable Federal mandates advising coursework is needed to maintain, update and retain State teaching and administrative certification, provide direction to MCPS educators and administrators regarding certification status.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Extensive knowledge of Maryland certification bylaws and acceptable interpretations. Considerable knowledge local MCPS regulations, policies, procedures and protocol policies, procedures, personnel, operations, employment requirements, course work and training required for professional personnel, MSDE COMAR regulations, policies and guidelines, Federal mandates related to education/certification (NCLB, Title I) and MCEA negotiated contract agreements and staff. Ability to learn various databases, Microsoft Office software applications; Ability to create, revise, and implement processes and procedures designed to streamline work and create greater office efficiencies. High level of organization and attention to complex details required. Ability to solve work problems with minimal supervision; ability to objectively analyze and recommend on a variety of personnel actions; ability to learn rapidly and retain information; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Good human relations skills. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Associates degree required. Bachelors degree preferred. College course work in business, public or personnel administration, education, psychology, or a related field. A minimum of three years experience in certification and/ various phases of personnel administration required. Experience managing and using standard Human Resources database software used to track professional personnel education and certification. Managing a large volume and variety of complex work and project deadlines efficiently. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position and which include a bachelor's degree may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Approval by state department of education to make local certification decisions. Certification Authorized Partner Associate (CAPA) to review, process, and enter Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) renewals preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Evaluates official professional personnel transcripts and experience to determine appropriate certification and related areas of employment dependent on certification such as salary placement and classroom assignments.

Reviews, processes, and submits Applications and renewals for Certificate to the MSDE.

Monitors employment contingency list.

Oversees, monitors and disseminates to unit members and supervisor all renewal cycle data and cycle status information from HRIS, Oracle Discoverer and FileMaker Pro.

Monitors and verifies all aspects of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certified educators (aka NBCs).

Oversees and manages Fees Collection Process

Monitors, updates and maintains certification website.

Prepares, analyzes, and manages MSDE Quality Teacher Incentive Act of 1999 (QTIA) grants, and produces the data of all eligible MCPS educators, prepares the grant application, memorandum for the superintendents signature, and the complex funding allocation report used by ERSC to process the stipend into the eligible educators¿ pay.

Ensures that non-senior status Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) renewals are reviewed and processed in a timely manner; and aids in reviewing Standard Professional Certificate (SPC) renewals when needed.

Reviews and verifies documents required to process and approve M/MEQ+60 salary advancement requests, determine eligibility for State stipends prepared and authorized by the superintendent, and prepares the documents, signed by the coordinator, to downgrade educators certificates to class II conditionals and enforce the associated penalties.

Prepares certificate folders; checks transcripts, evaluations and educator test data in preparation to forward these to the MSDE for newly employed professional personnel.

Maintains teacher post-baccalaureate records in personnel and certification folders verifying correct salary placement

Monitors contingency list and certification evaluations as course work is completed; makes corrections where necessary and notifies appropriate personnel when changes occur.

Monitors and updates Certification, employment and MSDE Educator Information System (EIS) databases, and produces reports as needed.

Analyzes, prepares, and disseminates monthly, periodic and intermittent data reports to the unit and other internal departments as requested.

Provides backup for certification coordinator or Senior certification specialist in their absence.

Maintains card index of U.S. colleges and universities, and small library of college catalogues.

Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 1/70
Date(s) Revised: 6/82, 2/87, 8/88, 7/92, 6/93, 3/2010, 7/14
Last Reviewed: 6/29/09

This description may be changed at any time.