Complaint & Appeals Specialist - Multiple Positions

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

56d•Hybrid

About The Position

Position Title: Complaint & Appeals Specialist- Multiple positions! Classification: Compliance Specialist 3 Salary: $5,842.00 - $8,967.00 ($6,245.00 - $9,588.00 PERS) We are seeking multiple 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. One of the positions being filled is a Limited Duration appointment, pending reclassification. The current end date for this limited duration role is June 30, 2027, or once the reclassification is approved. This position may be extended if the reclassification is not approved prior to the end date. The remaining positions are being filled by permanent appointments. This announcement may close before the posted deadline if a sufficient applicant pool is reached; applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. Names of qualified candidates will remain on the eligible list and may be contacted for future consideration and additional openings. 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 be in the office. About Us: The Oregon Department of Education's (ODE's) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well-rounded, and equitable education system. This position is located in the Complaint and Appeals Resolution Unit, which is part of the Government and Legal Affairs Team, in the Office of Relations, Management, and Support. The Government and Legal Affairs Team works across the agency and with outside parties to carry out the education mission and goals of the State Board of Education and the priorities of the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The team includes three work units: Civil Rights, Complaint and Appeals Resolution, and Reports and Investigations of Sexual Conduct. The Complaint and Appeals Resolution Unit administers the agency's formal complaint resolution processes for discrimination in public education, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, religious entanglement, determinations of nonstandard status under ORS 343.328 (Abbreviated School Day Programs), and Division 22 standards. Click this link to learn more about the unit 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.
Juris Doctor (JD) degree preferred but not required.

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

Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost
Paid days off -
11 paid holidays per year
3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year
8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month
Progressive vacation leave accrual with increases every 5 years
In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.

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