Special Education Complaint Investigation Specialist

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking a Special Education Complaint Investigation Specialist. This role is crucial for ensuring compliance with State and federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) concerning the education of students with disabilities. The specialist will be responsible for investigating complaints, conducting site visits, drafting response letters, and providing technical assistance to resolve disputes 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.
Four 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 six 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, compliance monitoring, or related experience within or affiliated with an organization serving school-aged children with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience applying special education laws regulations, policies, programs, and issues.
Experience with complaint investigation processes, school system due process rules, 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

Investigates complaints and conducts on site visits to public agency schools and administrative offices throughout the state, as necessary, to complete complaint investigations.
Conducts onsite visits to public agency schools throughout the state, as necessary, to complete complaint investigations.
Gathers and analyzes data necessary to resolve complaints and maintains database and log system of complaints and supporting documents and prepares corresponding reports.
Researches applicable law and regulation to determine whether a violation of special education requirements has occurred.
Communicates with complaint parties and prepares written letters of findings and other correspondence.
Provides technical assistance to public agencies, families, and Department staff regarding complaints and matters related to the IDEA.
Collaborates with other Division Branches to ensure consistent messaging.
Reviews current case law and information related to the IDEA, prepares materials and provides professional learning opportunities.
Provides support for Department activities, compliance reviews, and follow up activities.