State Compliant Investigator (2 Positions Available)

Marquette-Alger RESA•Lansing, MI

About The Position

POSITIONS: Two (2) Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education (MDE OSE) Special Education Consultant/State Complaint Investigators positions for the Program Accountability Unit. This existing position supports the daily responsibilities associated with investigating and resolving state complaints under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring compliance with federal and state special education requirements. The role includes conducting thorough legal and procedural reviews, analyzing documentation and evidence, drafting determinations, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate resolution of complaints.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in special education, school social work, school psychology,or a related field in Education.
One year of professional administrative or consultative experience in the fieldof special education is required for the 12-level.
Two years of professional administrative or consultative experience in thefield of special education, including one-year equivalent to a Special Education Consultant 12, is required for the 13-level.
Thorough knowledge of state and federal law, rules and regulations pertaining to special education.
Knowledge about the dispute resolution process.
Ability to evaluate special education programs.
Ability to work within prescribed timelines and meet strict deadlines.
Ability to analyze the conditions and needs of school districts and make recommendations for improvement or corrections accordingly.
Ability to research and synthesize policy issues.
Ability to understand and analyze data to inform policy decisions and develop and improve systems.
Ability to “conduct” telephone meetings/investigations and develop professional reports.
Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.
Ability to work with diverse groups and obtain cooperation with others in carrying out initiatives.
Ability to resolve conflicting high-priority requirements.
Ability to conduct and participate in workshops, in-service education conferences and public meetings.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports/correspondence related to the work.
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain favorable public relations.
Ability to develop, implement, maintain, and evaluate procedures and processes within a system framework.
Understanding of federal and State of Michigan laws, regulations, and rules in special education
Proficient in the use of technology
Ability to communicate at all levels with parents, school administrators, teachers and staff members
Ability to keep accurate records
Ability to collect and analyze data to improve services and inform future outreach
Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Thorough legal knowledge of MARSE (Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education) and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) special education rules and regulations is preferred.
A Juris Doctorate Degree and Dispute Resolution training are also preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate a caseload of complaints in a timely fashion.
Conduct investigations and monitor completion.
Suggest corrective actions for confirmed violations and monitor their satisfactory completion.
Provide consultation related to the above functions.
Conduct onsite investigations and follow up as needed.
Provide technical assistance regarding special education laws and complaintinvestigation procedures.
Answer the information phone line on a schedule determined by the supervisor.
Provide advice and consultation to school districts, parents, attorneys, and disability organizations relative to rights and responsibilities given through laws pertaining to special education.
Provide organized in-service to intermediate school district (ISD) personnel assigned to complaint investigations.
Attend relevant in-service training provided to OSE by outside agencies.
Provide in-service, as directed, to new OSE personnel assigned to complaint management.
Provide in-service to personnel contracting with ISDs for complaint investigation.
Assist the OSE in the development of policies and documents.
Identify issues precipitated by complaints received by the OSE.
Process issues that may have policy implications.
Work cooperatively to address and resolve issues.
Other duties as assigned.
Analyzing the nature of state complaints in accordance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.
Review analysis of complaint relative to applicable laws.
Review of legal findings for sufficiency to support conclusion.
Review of intended corrective action prior to issuing order.