Job Title: SHARS Special Education Specialist Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Evaluation, Eligibility & Child Find Pay Grade: AM 2
Dept./School: Academics and School Leadership Initiated Date: Aug.2026
WHO WE ARE
La Joya Independent School District (ISD) is committed to excellence for students and our community. With a strong legacy in the Rio Grande Valley, our vision — Educational Excellence: The Right of Every Student — reflects our urgent focus on student outcomes.
Our work is rooted in five district priorities:
- Customer Service
- Trust & Transparency
- High-Quality Instruction
- Excellence in Leadership
- Integrity & Accountability
We are committed to ensuring students with disabilities receive appropriate health-related services necessary to access their education. The School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program plays a critical role in supporting student services while ensuring the district maximizes eligible Medicaid reimbursement to sustain and strengthen special education supports.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking a detail-oriented, compliance-driven, and systems-focused professional to serve as the SHARS Special Education Specialist. This role provides districtwide coordination, monitoring, and implementation of the SHARS Medicaid program to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and maximize reimbursement for eligible health-related services provided to students with disabilities.
The Specialist ensures accurate documentation, billing, and reporting while supporting campus staff, related service providers, and district departments in implementing compliant SHARS practices. This role collaborates closely with Special Education, Finance, Health Services, Transportation, and Human Resources to ensure program integrity, compliance, and sustainability.
The ideal candidate has experience with special education systems, Medicaid billing processes, compliance monitoring, and data management, and demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills.
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Program Coordination & Compliance
- Coordinate and oversee day-to-day SHARS program operations districtwide.
- Ensure SHARS services billed are aligned with students’ IEPs and meet Medicaid medical necessity requirements.
- Develop and maintain procedures, timelines, and compliance systems for SHARS program implementation.
- Monitor SHARS program compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.
- Serve as district liaison to HHSC, TEA, Medicaid fiscal agents, and vendors regarding SHARS program requirements and compliance.
- Monitor regulatory changes and update district procedures and training accordingly.
- Documentation, Billing & Data Management
- Ensure accuracy and completeness of provider documentation required for SHARS billing.
- Monitor and review service logs, provider documentation, licensure, and compliance records.
- Coordinate Random Moment Time Study (RMTS) participation and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with Finance and Business Office to reconcile billing, address denials, and monitor reimbursement.
- Maintain SHARS program records and ensure audit readiness.
- Develop reports and dashboards to monitor SHARS utilization, compliance, and reimbursement trends.
- Compliance Monitoring & Program Accountability
- Conduct internal reviews and audits of SHARS documentation and processes.
- Monitor program implementation and ensure adherence to compliance requirements.
- Identify compliance risks and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain accurate program records in compliance with federal and state retention requirements.
- Support district compliance efforts aligned to IDEA, Medicaid, and TEA requirements.
- Training, Technical Assistance & Capacity Building
- Provide training and support to campus staff, service providers, nurses, diagnosticians, and administrators on SHARS requirements.
- Develop guidance materials, manuals, and job aids to support staff compliance.
- Provide technical assistance regarding documentation, billing, and eligibility requirements.
- Support campuses and departments in implementing compliant SHARS procedures.
- Collaboration & Cross-Department Coordination
- Collaborate with Special Education leadership to ensure SHARS services are properly documented in IEPs.
- Coordinate with Transportation, Health Services, Related Services, and campuses to ensure accurate service documentation.
- Work with Human Resources to maintain accurate provider rosters and time study participation.
- Support districtwide efforts to align SHARS with special education compliance and program improvement initiatives.
- Audit Preparation, Monitoring & Reporting
- Coordinate preparation for SHARS audits, monitoring visits, and compliance reviews.
- Compile required documentation and respond to audit findings.
- Support development and implementation of corrective action plans.
- Maintain program reports and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
- Team Support & Continuous Improvement
- Support districtwide compliance systems and continuous improvement efforts.
- Identify program improvement opportunities and recommend system enhancements.
- Maintain current knowledge of SHARS, Medicaid, and special education requirements.
- Other Duties as Assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Education / Certification
- Bachelor’s degree required (Education, Special Education, Business, Public Administration, or related field)
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Experience
- At least Three (3) years of experience in special education, SHARS, Medicaid billing, finance, or compliance-related role preferred
- Experience with ARD/IEP processes and documentation preferred
- Experience with Medicaid billing systems or SHARS programs preferred
- Experience working in Texas public schools preferred
Special Knowledge & Skills
- Knowledge of SHARS and Medicaid billing requirements
- Knowledge of special education compliance and IDEA requirements
- Strong data management and documentation review skills
- Strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills
- Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements
- Strong communication and training skills
- Ability to collaborate across departments
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and educational data systems
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in both office and campus environments. Frequent campus visits required.
May require light lifting (under 20 pounds). Frequent sitting, standing, walking, computer use, and presentations.
Position Working Days: 226 days