Education Program Specialist - Dispute Resolution

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is seeking an Education Program Specialist to join the Office for Exceptional Children (OEC). This role is crucial for ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state regulations through the formal complaint process. The specialist will investigate IDEA formal complaints within the federal timeline, ensure the complaint process is followed, provide technical assistance to parties, develop complaint letters and interview questions, conduct onsite visits, and develop final reports outlining compliance and non-compliance with IDEA. Additionally, the specialist will develop corrective action plans when non-compliance is found. The role also involves providing technical assistance to various stakeholders regarding the dispute resolution process and IDEA, responding to inquiries, and making presentations on special education topics. Other duties include participating in and organizing statewide meetings and conducting workshops. This is a drug-free workplace position with specific restrictions regarding marijuana use.

Requirements

• 6 years of experience in any combination of the following: Legal and/or analytical writing.
• Direct or administrative experience dealing with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) related rules, policies, and procedures (e.g., writing and implementing special education procedures and required documents).
• Analysis of documents and records, and in conducting investigatory interviews (e.g., phone, in-person).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with conducting investigations and writing investigatory reports.
• A working knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Completion of a Master’s degree in one of the following areas: Education (i.e., special education, educational administration/leadership, curriculum (core academic content), assessment, education technology, cross-cultural studies, gifted, educational guidance/counseling) or related services (i.e., school psychology, educational psychology, speech-language pathology, audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy); Social Work; Public Policy; Public Administration; Juris Doctorate; Communication; Journalism; Dispute Resolution; Social Sciences; Criminal Justice.

Responsibilities

• Ensures compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state regulations through the formal complaint process.
• Investigates IDEA formal complaints within the 60-day federal timeline.
• Ensures the formal complaint process is followed.
• Provides technical assistance to parties regarding the process.
• Develops various complaint letters.
• Develops interview questions.
• Conducts onsite visits (as applicable).
• Develops final report (e.g., letter of finding, withdrawal) which outlines compliance and non-compliance with IDEA.
• Develops a corrective action plan if there is non-compliance.
• Provides technical assistance to district administrators, advocates, attorneys, parents and organizations regarding the dispute resolution process and IDEA.
• Responds to inquiries regarding the dispute resolution processes and IDEA.
• Makes presentations to State agencies, committees, parents, school districts and other groups on a variety of special education topics.
• Participates and organizes statewide meetings for administrators, teachers and parents of children with disabilities.
• Conducts workshops and makes presentations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

What This Job Offers

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