Coordinator, Litigation, Special Education Due Process Department

Los Angeles Unified School District; Los Angeles, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Angeles Unified School District seeks a Coordinator, Litigation, Special Education Due Process Department to lead and coordinate complex due process resolutions and related training across the district. The role focuses on litigation, mediation, and ensuring compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and related regulations.

You will mentor staff, analyze data, and liaise with central and regional offices to strengthen dispute resolution processes and supports for students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.
• Eight (8) years of full-time public school service in certificated positions, with at least two years in leadership roles.
• At least three (3) years of experience working with students with disabilities in a certificated capacity.

Responsibilities

• Represents the District in formal due process resolutions, mediation, and settlements with OAH.
• Analyzes and researches due process pleadings for substantive or procedural violations.
• Mentors and trains staff in IEP dispute resolution at region, school-site, and division levels.
• Analyzes complaint data to develop trainings and coaching for IEP team processes.
• Acts as liaison with central and regional offices on due process matters.
• Provides technical expertise to school teams to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Dispute resolution

Collaboration

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Mentoring

Education

Master's degree or higher

Tools

Welligent

MiSiS

Excel

Access

Outlook

Job description

Coordinator, Litigation, Special Education Due Process Department

DESCRIPTION:

Los Angeles Unified School District SELPA/Division of Special Education

COORDINATOR, LITIGATION,

SPECIAL EDUCATION DUE PROCESS DEPARTMENT

40G (School Support Administrator, 0515)

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, Special Education or their administrative designee, the duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represents the District in all aspects of formal due process resolutions, including mediation and settlement processes involving the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
• Analyzes and researches due process pleadings for claims related to substantive and/or procedural violations
• Mentors, coaches, and provides training to region, school site, and Division of Special Education staff in all areas related to Individualized Education Program (IEP) dispute resolution
• Analyzes complaint management data to develop training modules, materials, online trainings, and coaching sessions that will build the capacity of region and school-site staff to work effectively in planning, holding, and implementing IEP team meetings, including the provision of services and supports for students with disabilities
• Acts as a liaison with central office, region offices, Division of Special Education, and LAUSD Charter SELPA staff in matters related to due process
• Provides technical expertise to school support teams in the implementation of interventions, supports, and training to increase positive outcomes for students with disabilities

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES - CONTINUATION :

• Assists in the coordination and analysis of data needed to prepare reports, monitor due process, and perform informal decision-making activities including recommendations for monetary and personnel efficiencies
• Assists staff to resolve complex or unique problems for which there is no current District policy
• Communicates with all levels of constituents, both internally and externally, with a high degree of confidentiality
• Supervises and evaluates the performance of subordinate personnel
• Performs other duties as assigned
• During periods of critical personnel shortage or other emergency situations, temporarily perform duties as directed within authorization of any credentials held and registered with the Los Angeles County of Education

SALARY:

40G, (School Support Administrator, 0515) – A Basis ($149,190 – $185,809) – 261 paid days

• In the case of an annualized employee who is changing basis during the year, this change may result in an annualized “settlement” (i.e., the process by which the District resolves an under or overpayment).
• For employees who change basis during the school year, this basis change may prevent them from earning a full year of service credit.
• Selected individual may be subject to displacement due to norm allocation and seniority-based RIF provisions or due to budget limitations.
• This position is deemed certificated under Education Code Section 44065, but may not qualify for "creditable service" under Education Code Section 22119.5 for CalSTRS benefits. However, if the candidate chosen for the position is already a CalSTRS member, he/she can fill out an election form to remain in CalSTRS and thereby obtain CalSTRS credit for this service.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• At least eight (8) years of successful, full-time public school service in a certificated position(s), with no fewer than two (2) years of which must have been in a leadership position(s) (e.g. coordinator, instructional coach, dean)
• At least three (3) years of successful, full-time public school experience working with students with disabilities in a certificated capacity
• An earned master’s degree or advanced degree of at least equivalent standard conferred by a regionally-accredited college or university
• Completion of required Multicultural Education and Master Plan coursework*

*Applicants have one year to complete this requirement.

NOTE: All minimum requirements must be met on or before the filing deadline. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that appropriate documentation is on file with Human Resources. For additional information, please call [phone].

Employees who have been issued a below standard Performance Evaluation, or Notice of Unsatisfactory Act(s) and/or Suspension shall be ineligible for application to any promotion process for one calendar year following the issuance of such a Notice.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience as a school site administrator supervising special education programs, school psychologist(s), or specialist(s) with the Division of Special Education
• Successful experience in implementing special education policies, procedures, and programs
• Expert knowledge of state and federal mandates regarding students with disabilities, implementing regulations, special education best practices, and research on emerging practices in the education of students with disabilities
• Comprehensive knowledge of how to meet the instructional and behavioral needs of students with disabilities
• Expertise in dispute resolution, conflict management and Special Education litigation processes
• In-depth knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Compliance Complaint process under the California Department of Education, and complaint procedures
• Knowledge of District policies and procedures related to students with disabilities and access for all students
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and outside agencies or other school districts

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS - CONTINUATION:

• Expertise in conflict resolution and/or mediation skills with successful past experience as a mediator, team leader, or committee chair
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to effectively and collaboratively work with central office, region staff, and all stakeholder groups (school staff, students, parents, and community members)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with effective time management skills
• Strong computer skills including experience in the use of Welligent, MiSiS, Excel, Access, and Outlook applications
• Ability to travel to sites throughout the District

The Los Angeles Unified School District intends that all qualified persons shall have equal opportunities for employment and promotion.