FY27: CFT Coordinator, Special Education Compliance

About the role

Under the direction of the director of the Department of Special Education Compliance (DSEC), the CFT coordinator for special education compliance provides leadership and coordination and supports the implementation of federal and state special education laws and regulations, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), through a cluster and regional service delivery model. The compliance coordinator works as part of a cross-functional team (CFT) to support schools in ensuring compliance with special education and Section 504 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Coordinating case management, facilitating problem-solving processes, and supporting dispute resolution to ensure timely and appropriate services for students with disabilities
• Collaborating with administrators, educators, related service providers, and families to support compliant IEPs and Section 504 plans
• Participating in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, administrative reviews, and structured problem-solving processes to address concerns and ensure adherence to legal requirements
• Providing ongoing technical assistance to schools, supporting compliance-related activities, collaborating with central office teams, and assisting with complaint responses while promoting proactive practices to prevent disputes and strengthen compliance
• Focusing on implementation and compliance support at the cluster and school level
• Working in a level-alike partnership with the Coordinator, Department of Special Education Compliance, Central, with each role focusing on its respective area of responsibility without a supervisory relationship, both working under the supervision of the director

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university in general education, special education, school administration, counseling, social work, legal studies, or public administration required
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school strongly preferred
• Minimum of two years of progressive experience in public school legal issues pertaining to state and federal special education regulations, student placement in special education programs, or special education dispute resolution functions in a large school system or public sector organization
• Five years of experience in special education compliance required
• Experience leading teams preferred
• Special education teacher certification and teaching experience beneficial
• Membership in, or eligibility for, the Maryland State Bar preferred
• Ability to obtain Observing and Analyzing Teaching I (OAT I) within one year of hire

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations and IEP procedures, including the IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• Knowledge of compliance requirements related to evaluation, eligibility, service delivery, timelines, and documentation within school-based settings
• Ability to support the investigation and response to complaints and assist schools in resolving concerns in alignment with legal requirements
• Ability to support and prepare school-based staff to participate in special education mediations, administrative reviews, and other compliance-related processes
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data to support compliance monitoring and problem-solving at the school and cluster level
• Ability to collaborate effectively with administrators, educators, related service providers, families, and central office staff to support compliant practices
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and support school-based teams
• Ability to provide professional learning and technical assistance to school-based staff to ensure understanding and implementation of compliance requirements
• Knowledge or ability to quickly learn and apply the six leadership standards established for MCAAP/MCBOA and knowledge of MCPS Teacher Professional Growth System and the supporting services Professional Growth System (PGS)
• Strong writing, oral communication, and human relations skills, including the ability to support documentation and communication related to compliance activities

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $127,566 and $181,559.

Schedule

• Full-time
• Working months: 12
• Shift: Day

Additional Information

• Physical Demands: As required of the duties of the position
• Special Requirements: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including day or evening work such as occasional participation in evening community meetings, board of education meetings, IEP sessions, or professional learning events
• Countywide travel may be required
• Please upload a current resume and an interest letter