IDEA Resolution Specialist

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

2d•$7,247 - $11,140•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking two IDEA Resolution Specialists to join our Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities at the Oregon Department of Education. One is a limited duration position ending: 05/06/2028. The other is a Permanent position. Both positions are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). These positions follow 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 in the office. The primary purpose of these positions are to ensure that state and federal requirements related to the education of children with disabilities are carried out in a manner that supports strong instructional practice, effective program implementation, and improved outcomes for students. The position works closely with education service districts, local school districts, parents, contract investigators, the Oregon Department of Justice, Administrative Law Judges, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Disability Rights Oregon, the Oregon Law Center, and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The position has primary responsibility for the Dispute Resolution Committee, a statewide stakeholder group familiar with special education dispute resolution, and facilitates the internal Dispute Resolution Team to support consistent, student-centered decision making.

Requirements

Master's degree in Education or related field from an accredited college or university and five years of education experience in the specialty area under recruitment (e.g., classroom teacher, counselor, itinerant service provider), two years of which includes leadership experience (e.g., lead teacher, program coordinator or director, school administrator) in the specialty area under recruitment.
A Doctorate in Education or related field from an accredited university may substitute for two years of the education experience, but not for the two years of leadership experience.
An Oregon Standard Administrative License (issued by Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) may substitute for the two years of leadership experience.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of IDEA, Special Education Law, and Dispute Resolution Processes
Demonstrates working knowledge of IDEA Parts B and C, OAR 581 Division 15, ORS 343, and related state and federal regulations
Understands the legal framework governing state complaint processes, due process hearings, mediation, and resolution sessions
Able to connect legal requirements to instructional practice and program implementation for students with disabilities.
Legal Analysis, Writing, and Case Management
Demonstrates ability to review investigation findings for legal sufficiency, accuracy, and alignment with federal and state requirements
Has experience drafting or editing formal legal documents such as complaint orders, findings of fact, or corrective action plans
Able to manage multiple cases simultaneously using tracking and documentation systems to ensure timely resolution.
Consultation and Subject Matter Expertise
Able to serve as a subject matter expert on IDEA, Section 504, the ADA, and related civil rights requirements for internal staff, districts, families, and external partners
Provides authoritative, accessible guidance that connects legal requirements to real-world program and instructional decisions
Skilled at advising stakeholders on procedural safeguards, student rights, and district obligations in a student-centered manner.
Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-Agency Collaboration
Demonstrates ability to work effectively with a broad range of partners including ESDs, LEAs, the Oregon Department of Justice, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Disability Rights Oregon, and OSEP
Has experience facilitating committees, work groups, or stakeholder processes that require building consensus among parties with differing interests
Able to manage relationships with contracted investigators and external legal or advocacy entities.
Data Analysis, Trend Identification, and Policy Contribution
Able to analyze dispute resolution and compliance data to identify statewide trends and inform policy or practice adjustments
Supports the development and accuracy of SPP/APR indicators 16 through 19
Uses evidence and performance data to recommend policy adjustments and contribute to administrative rule development.

Responsibilities

Oversee the IDEA dispute resolution system and ensure legal compliance. Coordinate complaint investigations under IDEA Parts B and C, review contracted investigators' findings for thoroughness and legal sufficiency, write and edit complaint orders for the Assistant Superintendent's issuance, ensure mediation and due process processes meet federal and state requirements, and lead the Dispute Resolution Committee. This is the core of the role at roughly 45 percent of the work.
Serve as the subject matter expert and provide authoritative consultation. Advise ODE staff, districts, investigators, families, and partners on IDEA, Oregon Special Education Rules, Section 504, ADA, and related civil rights requirements, including where those frameworks intersect, and help districts navigate questions involving eligibility, discipline, and allegations of discrimination or bullying. This is the role's second major duty at roughly 20 percent.
Provide district support, technical assistance, and corrective action follow-through. Act as the primary communication point between complainants and districts throughout the complaint process, and work directly with district administrators after substantiated findings to ensure corrective action is understood, implemented, and monitored to support FAPE.
Train, support, and build the capacity of contracted complaint investigators. Provide ongoing training and direct support to the contracted investigators, review and give feedback on their draft orders, and drive continuous improvement in the quality, consistency, and legal sufficiency of their investigations and final orders.