Project Manager, Special Education Compliance

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

3d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is seeking extraordinary individuals to join its team. As the primary agency overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, OSDE is devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students it serves. The OSDE team is known for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. OSDE works with over 500 school districts and maintains a close partnership with the legislature to ensure every Oklahoma student receives an exceptional education. This Project Manager, Special Education Compliance, plays a vital role in resolving disputes between parents and districts and ensuring compliance with special education laws and regulations. Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and expertise in conducting thorough investigations contribute to ensuring the provision of high-quality special education services across the state. This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and does not offer remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Special Education, Education, or a related field; or Juris Doctorate
Valid teaching certification in Special Education or Educational Administration, or an active law license to practice in Oklahoma.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.
Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Expertise in conducting thorough investigations.
Proficiency in using Oklahoma's online IEP system.
Clear and accurate communication.
Strong analytical skills.
Ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.
Sustained focus and attention to detail.
Memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.
Adaptability and mental flexibility.
Ability to stand, reach and bend 50% of the time.
Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, office telephone 75% of the time.
Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time.
Ability to lift to 25 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Remain up to date on the latest developments in special education laws and regulations.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of both Federal and State laws, regulations, and compliance mandates pertaining to special education.
Thorough grasp of proper evaluation, eligibility criteria, and IEP documentation in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Familiarity with the range of special education services and related support services.
Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression.
Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.
Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals.
Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives.
Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.
Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.
Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment.
Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism, seeking constructive outcomes.
Envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.
Thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.
Takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.
Guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.
Builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.
Drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes.
Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.
Identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive investigations of State Complaints, engaging in interviews through phone, virtual platforms, or in-person meetings with complainants, administrators, and educators to gather comprehensive information and insights related to the delivery of special education services.
Thoroughly review and analyze confidential student-level files, records, and other pertinent data.
Perform on-site visits to schools to identify potential areas of non-compliance and to ensure adherence to both federal and state laws and regulations.
Document all observations and findings in a detailed and accurate manner, maintaining meticulous records of the investigation process.
Conduct in-depth research on pertinent State and Federal regulations and case law pertaining to State Complaints.
Exhibit exceptional proficiency in communicating ideas clearly and concisely through both verbal and written means, adhering to formal and informal writing styles.
Showcase exemplary organizational skills to meet pressing timelines as stipulated in the IDEA guidelines.
Generate comprehensive and precise reports, leading to well-informed decisions regarding IDEA State Complaints.
Oversee the assignment and progress monitoring of corrective action plans based on the outcomes and determinations of State Complaints.
Support the Program Manager of Regulatory Compliance in implementing the general supervision system of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by focusing on Dispute Resolution, particularly State Complaints.
Engage in collaborative efforts with internal teams, including program managers and policy experts, to ensure alignment with the overarching special education requirements outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Foster productive and harmonious working relationships with parents/families, educators, administrators, and other stakeholder groups to enhance understanding and adherence to IDEA compliance.
Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude.
Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance.
Embrace feedback for performance improvement.
Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration.
Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.
Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education.
Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students.
Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.
Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations.
Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance.
Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations.
Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships.
Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.

Benefits

Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or dependent care with ease.
Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher’s Retirement System participation.
Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and vendors.
Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.
Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.