Special Education Complaint Investigation Coordinator

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking a Special Education Complaint Investigation Coordinator. This role serves as a State complaint coordinator to ensure compliance with State and federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) relating to the education of students with disabilities. The position involves organizing the State complaints docket, collaborating with the investigative team, reviewing Letters of Finding, handling requests for reconsideration, investigating complaints, conducting site visits, drafting response letters, and providing technical assistance to resolve complaints between public agencies and families. The position is located at the Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building in Baltimore, MD.

Requirements

A Juris Doctorate, Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in Education, Special Education or a related field.
Five years of administrative or teaching (school-based or district-based) experience in, or affiliated with, special education programs, complaint investigation, due process, compliance, student advocacy and/or the provision of special education services to students with disabilities.
Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's Degree with 6 years of the specified content experience to satisfy the Minimum Qualifications noted above.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.
One year of professional experience in evaluation, complaint investigation-resolution, compliance monitoring, or related experience within or affiliated with an organization serving school-aged children with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience evaluating and reviewing special education complaints and related cases making decision for escalation of such to appropriate levels.
Experience applying special education laws, regulations, and policies.
Experience with IDEA State complaint investigation processes, requirements, and associated data tracking systems.
Experience in responding to problems and inquiries from educational agencies, school personnel, parents, and other stakeholders.
Experience with interpreting and applying laws and regulations governing early intervention and special education programs.

Responsibilities

Coordinates and manages complaints that involve enhanced legal or policy complexity.
Manages and Coordinates the organizational work of the State complaints docket.
Serves as first-line complaint reviewer after peer review.
Reviews and approves requests for reconsideration and complaints against MSDE.
Designs investigation plans for complex complaints.
Serves as the investigative team liaison to the CA and Family Support team.
Provides technical assistance to public agencies and families regarding complaints and matters relating to the IDEA.
Provides technical assistance to Department staff on matters relating to complaints and the IDEA.
Collaborates with other Division Branches to ensure consistent messaging.
Maintains database and log system of complaints and supporting documents.
Reviews current case law and information related to the IDEA and provides professional learning and prepares materials, as requested.