Civil Rights Compliance - Program Supervisor

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill a Civil Rights Compliance - Program Supervisor position. This full-time permanent position is based in Olympia, Washington. This position may be eligible for partial to near full-time telework. Telework is a combination of in-building and off-site days. During your training period you will be required to be in the office 3 days per week. After you’ve completed your initial training, you may have the option to work from home 2 days a week on a flexible telework schedule. While we’re happy to offer this balance of in-office connections and telework flexibility, this isn’t a fully remote position. OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the 295 public school districts and 7 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education. OSPI is committed to its work but values the balance with personal lives and provides an environment that stimulates professional growth and values employees for their expertise. OSPI has several initiatives to help create a great working environment, including support for a healthy work/life balance with flexible/alternative work schedules and mobile and telework options, an Infant at Work Program, and a commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. The Equity and Civil Rights Office is a professional and inclusive work environment where teamwork, high quality legal and customer service, and work–life balance are highly valued. The Equity and Civil Office’s work includes a diverse mix of monitoring and investigations, policy and resource development, and technical assistance. The Equity and Civil Rights Office leads some of OSPI’s most critical initiatives, including gender-inclusive schools, language access, and systemic approaches to preventing and responding to discriminatory harassment in K–12 public schools. Through these activities and initiatives, the Equity and Civil Rights Office works to build school districts’ capacity to eliminate discrimination. The primary role of the Civil Rights Compliance Program Supervisor is to monitor school districts' compliance with state and federal civil rights laws and investigate discrimination complaints. The program supervisor also provides support and information to help parents, students, and educators understand civil rights laws, regulations and responsibilities, and to identify potential issues and options. Collaboration, neutrality, legal analysis and problem-solving, and effective and accurate communication are essential to this position. In this role, the program supervisor does not serve as an advocate but as a resource to families, educators, and OSPI staff to answer questions regarding civil rights matters and assist in resolving issues of discrimination. The program supervisor coordinates with other OSPI departments, school districts, state and federal agencies, and other organizations to effectively accomplish this work. These responsibilities affect the continued federal funding for the state. This position involves some travel in the state for training and monitoring activities. This position is supervised by the Managing Attorney of the Equity and Civil Rights Office. A strong candidate for this position is an attorney or experienced investigator with a demonstrated commitment to civil rights and public service.

Requirements

Law degree from an accredited law school OR Bachelor’s degree or higher in K–12 education, public administration, law, or related field, and three years of experience in investigations or legal analysis (preferably in civil rights)
Must reside in the state of Washington
Ability to travel statewide

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting investigations, including investigation planning, conducting interviews, legal analysis, and report writing
Experience working in the K–12 education system and knowledge of OSPI's role
Knowledge of state and federal nondiscrimination laws and regulations, and understanding of civil rights issues affecting school districts
Ability to analyze complex problems and legal issues and develop practical solutions
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver technical and legal information clearly and concisely in writing and verbally in both formal and informal settings, including public speaking
Experience in active listening and responding to parent and student concerns or complaints, preferably regarding issues of discrimination, equal access, or disability (Section 504 or special education)
Experience communicating legal concepts to a range of individuals (such as parents, youth, and school professionals) in writing, by phone, and in person
Knowledge of mediation, conflict resolution, or alternative dispute resolution skills
Knowledge and experience in effective program planning, and in developing training programs
Strong skills in the use of technology for presentations, data collection, and communication
Knowledge of the responsibilities of state education agencies and the roles and responsibilities of other agencies
The ability to work independently and in a team setting

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance, information, and resources regarding civil rights requirements in a professional, legally accurate, and approachable manner to schools, parents, advocates, and other interested parties.
Respond to allegations and complaints of discrimination by students, parents, employees, and others; investigate complaints; and facilitate resolutions.
Coordinate and conduct monitoring of K–12 school compliance with state and federal civil rights laws through compliance reviews, including some on-site reviews, and other methods as needed.
Identify issues of noncompliance, outline corrective actions, and monitor outcomes to ensure that schools comply with any required corrective actions.
Identify, research, and analyze potential discriminatory policies, procedures, and practices in the K–12 sector, including researching and analyzing state and federal nondiscrimination statutes, regulations, guidance, and case law.
Design and lead trainings for schools, parents, advocates, and other stakeholders regarding civil rights, school district responsibilities, complaint procedures, and OSPI services.
Design and prepare guidance, bulletins, reports, tools, and other resources that support the work of the Equity and Civil Rights Office.
Collaborate and consult with state and federal agencies, professional and advocacy organizations, and other OSPI departments.