DOE Education Specialist

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

About The Position

The DOE Education Specialist supports the Indiana Department of Education’s Office of Special Education monitoring and compliance activities related to IDEA Indicators 4, 9, and 10. The role reviews special education records and documentation for compliance with state and federal requirements, analyzes data for potential noncompliance, prepares monitoring reports and correspondence, documents findings, provides technical assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs), and tracks corrective actions through resolution. The position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to support accurate implementation of policies, procedures, and practices that promote equitable outcomes for students with disabilities. Work involves confidential student records, evaluation reports, IEPs, prior written notices, discipline documentation, and other compliance-related records. The role requires interpreting regulatory requirements, drafting formal reports, and supporting continuous improvement with school corporations across Indiana. Experience with special education monitoring systems, compliance reviews, or educational audits is highly desirable. The position is primarily a standard 7.5-hour workday. Occasional travel, including overnight travel, may be required for monitoring cycles, trainings, technical assistance activities, or conferences. The role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group. It is exempt from overtime compensation; additional work hours may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.

Requirements

Specialized knowledge of educational systems gained through experience and/or education.
Specialized knowledge of education programs and services, including pertinent rules and regulations.
Extensive knowledge of source materials and references, including federal and state laws governing the programs.
Ability to develop and implement new processes and approaches and discern far-reaching implications.
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose solutions and solve problems.
Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
A degree is not required; at least 6+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of IDEA, Indiana Article 7 special education law, evaluation procedures, IEP requirements, and monitoring practices.
Ability to review large datasets, identify trends or discrepancies, analyze student records, and accurately document findings.
Ability to communicate monitoring results, provide guidance to LEA personnel, facilitate corrective action processes, and build collaborative working relationships.
Experience with special education monitoring systems, compliance reviews, or educational audits.

Responsibilities

Monitor education program and initiative objectives, outcomes, and actions to achieve agency goals.
Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, and laws to constituents within educational institutions.
Conduct desk audits and file reviews of special education records and documentation for compliance with state and federal requirements.
Analyze data and student records to identify potential noncompliance, trends, or discrepancies, and accurately document findings.
Prepare and disseminate monitoring reports, formal correspondence, and reports on program effectiveness.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to LEAs, communicate monitoring results, and facilitate corrective action processes through resolution.
Implement strategic action plans to address program gaps and opportunities.
Ensure program requirements adhere to federal and state policies and grant compliance requirements.
Assist in training and developing education system employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
Serve as a liaison between the agency and other state and federal agencies.
Collaborate with stakeholders to support accurate implementation of policies, procedures, and practices.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completed wellness activities.
Health savings account with a bi-weekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Eligibility as a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.