Complaint & Appeals Specialist 3

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Complaint & Appeals Specialists to join our Government and Legal Affairs team at the Oregon Department of Education. We have multiple positions represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) available. This position follows a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will be required when business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources. Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection and maintain a professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected to maintain the same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they would in the office. What you will do! ODE’s Complaint and Appeals Specialists are responsible for handling complaints and appeals filed with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) related to discrimination, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, religious entanglement, abbreviated school day programs under ORS 343.328, and Division 22 Standards. The role ensures that these complaints are managed effectively and in alignment with state and federal laws.

Requirements

• Five years' experience doing administrative research that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action or decide compliance or eligibility with program guidelines and regulations.
• Three of the five years must be above the technical support level.
• College-level course work may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.

Nice To Haves

• Proven ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured written materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting legal memoranda, briefs, opinions, or final orders.
• Strong understanding of federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination.
• Familiarity with systems such as public school district complaint processes, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights complaint processes, or other discrimination resolution frameworks.
• Experience working effectively with diverse partners and community groups, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain attention to detail throughout the complaint and appeals process.

Responsibilities

• Complaint Assessment: Determine whether a complaint or appeal falls within ODE’s jurisdiction.
• Investigation Oversight: Define the scope of investigations, oversee their progress, and ensure compliance with procedural standards.
• Fact-Finding: Identify relevant facts and credible evidence.
• Legal Analysis: Identify legal issues, and violations of state and federal civil rights laws.
• Draft Orders: Write determination, including findings of fact, an explanation of the applicable legal authority, an application of the legal authority to the facts, and a final determination as to compliance.
• Corrective Action Design: Develop tailored corrective action plans to address identified deficiencies.
• Order Defense: Collaborate with the Department of Justice to defend agency decisions during judicial review.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Civil Rights Unit to ensure consistent interpretation and application of civil rights laws across ODE programs.

Benefits

• Oregon State provides amazing benefits!
• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed