Regional Certification Officer

LOCATION: Central Administration – 900 Watervliet-Shaker Road

BASIC FUNCTION:

This position is responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications for teaching certificates, professional licenses or related credentials for compliance with New York State Education Department (NYSED) requirements. The incumbent provides information to applicants, state and local education administrators and the general public on regulations pertaining to teacher certification and/or professional licensure. Incumbent researches educational programs in the United States to evaluate their equivalency to NYS standards. The work also involves conducting evaluations of teacher certification applications and credentials in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures to determine adherence to certification requirements prior to forwarding completed paperwork to the New York State Education Department’s Office of Teaching Initiatives. Employees receive mandated training provided by NYSED, Office of Teaching Initiatives. The work is performed under the general supervision of an assigned BOCES administrator with leeway allowed for independent judgement. Does related work as required

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews and evaluates candidate credentials such as certification applications, transcripts and supporting documentation against NYSED standards to approve, deny or advise on additional coursework needed for teacher and administrative certification requests.

• Provides direct technical assistance and policy guidance via phone, email and in-person consultations to school district HR staff, administrators and applicants regarding certification pathways, regulations updates and certification application status.

• Conducts thorough, accurate and timely evaluations of applicant’s teacher certification application and credentials in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures to determine whether the application and supporting credentialing documentation, as provided by applicant, meets the certification requirements.

• Completes evaluations for teacher certification-related applications including teaching assistant certificates and coaching licenses (temporary and professional).

• Acts as a liaison between the staff of component school districts and the Office of Teaching Initiatives.

• As required, researches out-of-state higher education institutions, accreditation status and course descriptions to assess whether non-NYS coursework and degree programs may meet New York State equivalency requirements to advise applicants on available certification pathways.

• Maintains records of work performed and assists in preparing statistical reports.

• Performs related duties, as assigned.

• Good knowledge of credentialing techniques.

• Good knowledge of practices, policies and procedures of public administration.

• Good knowledge of the organization and functions of the education system.

• Ability to develop, organize and maintain accurate records and files.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs including word processing, spreadsheet and databases.

Job Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with at least a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Education or a closely related field and one (1) year of experience in evaluating professional credentials of individuals or in human resources developing job descriptions and qualifications; OR,

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associates’ degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, Education or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in evaluating professional credentials of individuals or in human resources developing job descriptions and qualifications; OR,

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience in evaluating professional credentials of individuals or in human resources developing job descriptions and qualifications.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

The incumbent will be required to complete an initial mandated training by the Office of Teaching Initiatives, NYSED. Upon successful completion of the training, the Department will recognize the incumbent as the Regional Certification Officer for the Capital Region BOCES.

The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.

Vacancies are filled by a certified list provided by Albany County Civil Service. Should no certified list be available, candidates appointed to this position will be serving in a provisional appointment in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. The candidate must successfully complete a competitive examination and be eligible for appointment in accordance with Civil Service Law and the Civil Service Rules for Albany County to obtain a permanent appointment.

Civil Service Title: Regional Certification Officer

Job Number: 2027-104