Special Education, Dispute Resolution - Program Supervisor

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

OSPI in Olympia, Washington seeks a Special Education, Dispute Resolution Program Supervisor to lead investigations of community complaints, prepare decisions, and guide resolution efforts.

This full-time, permanent position may offer partial to near full-time telework, with in-person days during onboarding; involves collaboration with districts, parents, and policy teams.

Qualifications

• Law degree or master’s in education required.
• At least three years of administrative law or education experience.
• Must reside in Washington; some travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate special education disputes and issue written decisions.
• Provide technical assistance to local districts, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in development and implementation of special education regulations and policy.
• Serve as a program liaison to one of nine Educational Service District regions.
• Support OSPI staff in developing compliance and dispute resolution publications.

Skills

Administrative law

Education law

Public sector experience

Policy analysis

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Master’s degree in education

Job description

WASHINGTON MANAGEMENT SERVICE

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Special Education, Dispute Resolution - Program Supervisor

$84,673 - $99,622 annually

Closes October 16,2026

The Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) seeks to fill Special Education, Dispute Resolution Program Supervisor. This recruitment is for multiple positions. This full-time, permanent position is based in Olympia, Washington, and may be eligible for partial to near full-time telework. Telework consists of a combination of in-office and off-site workdays. During the onboarding period, employees will be required to work in person two (2) to three (3) days per week. We encourage interested candidates to visit the OSPI website to gain insight into our agency.

About OSPI and our initiatives

OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state's 295 public school districts and 7 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.

At OSPI, we recognize that our employees are the key to the success of the agency. We are committed to our work but value the balance with our personal lives. We demonstrate our commitment to employees by providing an environment that stimulates professional growth and values them for their expertise. OSPI is a great place to work and has several initiatives to help create a great working environment, including:

• We support a healthy work/life balance by offering flexible/alternative work schedules and mobile and telework options. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
• We have an Infant at Work Program that is based on long-term values of newborns and infant-parent bonding. Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work. (Depending on job duties and work location.)
• We value and are actively involved in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within OSPI by way of cross-divisional, collaborative committee. The focus of the committee includes employee engagement and education; reinforcing OSPI values; and maximizing the value of diversity and identifying strategies for inclusion.

Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision: All students prepared for post-secondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.

Mission: Transform K-12 education to a system that is centered on closing opportunity gaps and is characterized by high expectations for all students and educators. We achieve this by developing equity-based policies and supports that empower educators, families, and communities.

Values: Ensuring Equity, Collaboration and Service, Achieving Excellence through Continuous Improvement, Focus on the Whole Child.

Equity

Each student, family, and community possesses strengths and cultural knowledge that benefits their peers, educators, and schools. Ensuring educational equity:

• Goes beyond equality; it requires education leaders to examine the ways current policies and practices result in disparate outcomes for our students of color, students living in poverty, students receiving special education and English Learner services, students who identify as LGBTQ+, and highly mobile student populations.
• Requires education leaders to develop an understanding of historical contexts; engage students, families, and community representatives as partners in decision-making; and actively dismantle systemic barriers, replacing them with policies and practices that ensure all students have access to the instruction and support they need to succeed in our schools.

Position Overview

The person in this permanent WMS position will conduct special education community complaints, including investigation, preparing written decisions, and complaint resolution follow-up. The candidate selected for this position will also:

• Provide appropriate technical assistance and information to local school districts upon request.
• Provide appropriate technical assistance and information to parents and other interested parties upon request.
• Assist the program director in the review, development and implementation of special education regulations or other regulations affecting the provisions of special education regulations, as needed.
• Assist with the development of policy, guidance, and technical assistance materials related to special education and special education dispute resolution.
• In addition, the person in this position may serve as a program liaison to one of nine Educational Service District regions within the state, as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct community complaint investigations and oversee implementation of community complaint resolutions.
• Provide technical assistance and training to local school districts, Educational Service Districts, parents, and other groups regarding special education services.
• Assist in the development of OSPI technical assistance publications.
• Coordinate with special education staff in the development of compliance resolution systems.
• Serve as a program liaison to an Educational Service District in the area of special education.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited school of law or graduation from a master’s program in the education field.
• Three years of public or private sector practice in administrative law or practice in the state courts or three years of education experience.
• There is some, variable travel as part of complaint investigations and serving as an ESD liaison.
• Must reside in the state of Washington as a condition of employment

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in legal research and legal analysis of federal and state laws and regulations and their application to facts, including education law, special education law, and other state and federal civil rights statutes.
• Experience conducting administrative investigations.
• Experience with legal and technical writing.
• Experience with the Washington State Administrative Procedures Act.
• Experience working with interest groups such as parents or advocacy groups.

Compensation

The annual compensation for the position is $84,673 - $99,622 per year and depends upon experience, educational background, and qualifications. Geographic differentials may be applied based on work location of successful candidate. Washington state offers a generous benefit package, including health, dental and life insurance, retirement, and an optional deferred compensation program. Please visit Health Care Authority for information regarding health benefits and the Department of Retirement Systems for retirement plan information. This is a Washington Management Position. This position is not represented by a bargaining unit.

Please address any questions to:

Sal Salazar, Human Resources

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
600 Washington Street Southeast

Olympia, Washington 98504-7200

360-725-6278: [e-mail]

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-725-6270 or 360-725-6066, or e-mail [e-mail].

OSPI is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers who will contribute to our diversity. OSPI provides equal access to all programs and services without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. If you would like, please include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resource consultant listed in “Application Process.”