Special Education Complaint Investigation Coordinator (Education Program Specialist II)

MD; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 99,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland State Department of Education seeks a State complaint coordinator to ensure compliance with IDEA and state regulations. The role involves organizing the complaints docket, coordinating with investigators, and providing technical assistance to families and public agencies.

Primary duties include reviewing letters of finding, handling reconsideration requests, conducting site visits, and maintaining detailed records and data systems for complaints under Maryland’s education programs.

Qualifications

• Education: JD or Master’s or 36 post-baccalaureate credits in Education or related field.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and manages the State complaints docket and related systems.
• Reviews and assesses requests for reconsideration and complaints against MSDE.
• Designs investigation plans for complex complaints and coordinates with the investigative team.
• Serves as the first-line complaint reviewer after peer review.
• Provides technical assistance to public agencies and families regarding complaints and IDEA.
• Maintains database and log systems of complaints and supporting documents.

Education

Juris Doctorate or Master’s in Education or 36 post-baccalaureate credits

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

Grade 22

Salary

Range: $99,442 - $128, 645 with progression to $156, 822

*State

Salary Guidelines may apply for current State employees.

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy

S. Grasmick Education Building

200

West Baltimore Street

Baltimore,

MD 21201

POSITION DUTIES

The primary purpose of this position is to serve 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. This includes primary responsibility for organization of the State complaints docket, including SharePoint, Smartsheet, and other systems, collaboration with the investigative team to implement conflict-management strategies, providing first-line review of Letters of Finding following peer review, handling requests for reconsideration, investigating complaints, conducting site visits, drafting response letters, and providing technical assistance in order to resolve complaints between public agencies and families.

• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Juris Doctorate, Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in equivalent 36 post baccalaureate credit hours of course work in Education, Special Education or a related field.

Experience: 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 e 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.

The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.

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.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• 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.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure.

SELECTION PROCESS

Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for one year.

For education obtained outside of the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation will be required prior to hire.

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.