Education Program Consultant (Complaints and Dispute Resolution)

State of Iowa • Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

3d

About The Position

The Iowa Department of Education is seeking a highly qualified leader to serve as an Education Program Consultant, coordinating Dispute Resolution processes within the Bureau of Student and Family Special Education Services. This role provides key leadership and oversight for the Department's mission of creating excellence in education through leadership and service.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and five years of full-time post-graduate work experience in one or a combination of the following areas: Professional training, teaching, or counseling experience in an educational setting; Professional administrative experience in an educational setting; Professional finance, accounting, or auditing experience, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements; Professional experience in a major technical program area housed within the Iowa Department of Education; Professional data integration, data analysis, and statistical analysis experience; Professional communications experience, including public relations, marketing, or journalism; Professional school safety and emergency preparedness experience.
• A combination of a total of five years of post-graduate education and full-time experience, where twenty-four semester hours of accredited post-graduate college or university coursework equals one year of full-time experience.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree, possession of a valid Iowa Teaching Certificate, and three academic years of teaching and/or administrative experience in PK-12 and/or a post-secondary educational institution.
• Possession of a School Business Official Authorization from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and seven years of full-time professional experience in finance, accounting, or auditing, including the preparation or analysis of financial statements.
• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Strong technical skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines while leading teams as a non-traditional leader (no supervisory authority)
• Experience providing technical assistance and professional learning to educators
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical or regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders

Nice To Haves

• Experience with the education of learners with disabilities.
• Experience in education policy analysis.
• Experience with monitoring the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
• Experience with the delivery of special education in Iowa.

Responsibilities

• Investigate state complaints filed with the Iowa Department of Education alleging violations of the requirements of IDEA or Iowa Administrative Code chapter 41.
• Conduct fact-finding and evidence gathering pertaining to complaint information and allegations, including on-site visits/interviews with parents and school districts as determined necessary.
• Communicate with attorneys as necessary per the complaint.
• Participate in Department general supervision activities, including focused monitoring, call cadre, and state complaints.
• Research state complaints in comparison to IDEA or Iowa Administrative Code chapter 41 to determine statutes/regulations of possible non-compliance.
• Prepare thorough, accurate, and timely written decisions on complaint allegations, detailing allegations, findings of fact, legal conclusions, and recommended corrective action to the special education attorney.
• Participate in training, including quarterly team meetings, as provided by the special education attorney and dispute resolution coordinator.
• Work closely with the special education attorney and dispute resolution coordinator in developing, reviewing, and revising internal and external policies and procedures related to state complaints.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a new complaint database, responding to questions from parents, attorneys, and school personnel regarding its use.
• Work closely with the legal administrative assistant and dispute resolution coordinator to ensure all complaint matters are accurately updated and reflected in the database system.

Benefits

• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior