Special Education Specialist (SES)

Muscat University

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all SEND practices comply with Royal Decree 121/2008, the Basic Statute of the State, and ISA OAAAQA requirements.
• Support the continuous review, implementation, and improvement of the University s Special Education Policy, ensuring alignment with international best practices.
• Advise University management on structural, operational, and resource requirements necessary to support an inclusive campus environment.

SEND Program Management

• Manage the implementation and day-to-day operation of the University s SEND Program in line with approved policies, mandates, and strategic direction.
• Ensure SEND services are aligned with institutional operational plans and student support frameworks.
• Coordinate SEND-related activities across academic and administrative units.

Personalized Student Support (PSP Framework)

• Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing review of Personalized Student Plans (PSPs) for students with special educational needs.
• Design and recommend reasonable accommodation (e.g. extended examination time, assistive technology, alternative assessment formats) and coordinate their implementation with Faculties and relevant units.
• Maintain a confidential registry of SEND cases, including assessments, support history, accommodations, and progress tracking.

Staff Development & Capacity Building

• Design and deliver training sessions and workshops for academic and non-academic staff involved in supporting SEND students.
• Provide guidance on disability awareness, inclusive practices, specialized instructional approaches, and case management.
• Support staff in recognizing different types of disabilities and responding appropriately.

Collaboration & Liaison

• Act as the primary liaison between SEND students, Academic Advisers, Faculties, and the Academic Registry regarding assessments, examinations, and graduation requirements.
• Liaise with external assessment centers, specialists, and relevant organizations as required.
• Coordinate with the Guidance Counsellor and Student Affairs Unit to support communication with parents or guardians, where appropriate, ensuring a holistic support approach.

Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct annual evaluations of the SEND program using student feedback, participation data, and academic performance indicators.
• Monitor international trends in accessibility and inclusive higher education and recommend enhancements or pilot initiatives.
• Prepare reports and documentation related to SEND services for management review and self-study and accreditation reporting.

Departmental & Quality Support

• Support, under the direction of the line supervisor, other quality assurance related activities within ARSAD, as required.
• Ensure proper documentation and evidence management in line with institutional and accreditation requirements.

Authority & Decision-Making

• Holds full operational responsibility for SEND program implementation within approved policies and procedures.
• Has authority to recommend accommodations, program improvements, and support measures.
• Has no independent financial approval authority.
• Financial authority strictly as defined in the Delegation of Authorities Matrix and approved Financial Policies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Effectiveness and timeliness of SEND support and accommodations.
• Student satisfaction and engagement levels among SEND students.
• Compliance with legal, policy, and accreditation requirements.
• Accuracy and confidentiality of SEND records and documentation.
• Completion of training and capacity-building activities.