Coordinator, Dispute Resolution

State of Idaho•Boise, ID

38d

About The Position

The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department's employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/. The Special Education Dispute Resolution Coordinator works with the SDE Special Education department as a collegiate team member to: develop, implement and manage initiatives of the SDE and Special Education department; provide information, technical assistance, training and guidance to constituents; provide guidance with respect to state and federal laws; compile and disseminate current research-based practices; represent the SDE on a variety of commissions, task forces, committees and study groups; and prepare necessary materials, reports, and documents. This posting has been extended through November 30, 2025.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in education or special education from an accredited college or university.
Three years' experience in the field of special education, or closely related field, in a position with direct experience managing complaints and due process procedures, mediation, program evaluation, compliance monitoring, in-service training, and provision of technical assistance.
Knowledge of the theory and practice of public education, including understanding of systemic planning.
Knowledge of due process procedures under IDEA. General knowledge of the characteristics, diagnosis and methods of special education of exceptional children ages 3-21, is needed.
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing with a variety of constituent groups. Exceptional editing skills are required.
Possess interpersonal skills and abilities to work effectively as a member of a team, promote team goals, and maintain a team climate.
Proficiency in MS Office products and Adobe.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree is preferred; additional consideration will be given for advanced degrees/experience in law and due process procedures.
Additional consideration will be given for experience in due process and legal procedures, as a supervisor or director of special education, school administration or similar positions.

Responsibilities

Consult and coordinate with the Special Education Director in the management of the dispute resolution system.
Oversee and direct dispute resolution activities for the Dispute Resolution Program Specialist and provide input into the evaluation materials.
Act as a primary point of contact for individuals seeking information regarding the dispute resolution system and respond to inquiries regarding IDEA implementation from parents, school districts and community members.
Maintain a list of qualified contractors for SDE dispute resolution processes including facilitation, mediation, complaint investigation and due process hearings.
Promote and coordinate the development of an effective dispute resolution team of contractors.
Coordinate training opportunities for SDE facilitators, mediators, complaint investigators and hearing officers (yearly training for each is required).
Ensure the timely investigation of all state administrative complaints and written reports, and oversee timely completion of corrective actions for districts found out of compliance.
Monitor and ensure the timely completion of IDEA due process hearings, including LEA resolution sessions, within legally mandated timeframes.
Manage and promote the statewide mediation system to provide effective and non-adversarial resolution of disputes.
Manage and promote a statewide IEP facilitation system to provide effective facilitation during IEP meetings, resolution sessions, or other IDEA related meetings.
Manage required dispute data collection systems, and prepare required state and federal accountability reports within required timeframes.
Participate in the general supervision of IDEA including, the compliance of special education programs in Idaho school districts.
Manage documentation and maintain secure files upholding FERPA requirements.
Participate in the development of Idaho special education policies and procedures, including the Idaho Special Education Manual.
Direct statewide dispute resolution program planning, development, and implementation.
Attend state, regional, and district special education meetings and participate in webinars as requested and appropriate.
Develop and improve dispute resolution forms and materials.
Format any public documents for ADA accessibility per SDE policies and procedures.
Update SDE/SPED Dispute Resolution website as needed.
Review legal updates for IDEA and share relevant information and best practices with contractors and districts as appropriate.
Offer local and national training opportunities and distribute materials to dispute resolution contractors.
Network with national counterparts through CADRE listserv and conferences.
Develop presentations for local and national initiatives related to Dispute Resolution.
Develop trainings and materials on dispute resolution and communication issues for districts and parent groups.
Oversee the management of contractor needs including circulation of contracts, travel arrangements, submission of necessary documentation, etc.
Oversee updates required in dispute data collection systems.
Assist in organizing groups, task forces, or advisory committees as needed.
Attend staff meetings.
Provide support to State Special Education Director as needed.

Benefits

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year.
Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.
Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.

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