Special Education Complaint Investigation Specialist Education Program Specialist I

About the role

The Maryland State Department of Education is seeking a specialist to ensure compliance with State and federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) relating to the education of students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Investigates complaints and conducts on-site visits to public agency schools and administrative offices throughout the state, as necessary, to complete complaint investigations.
• Conducts on-site visits to public agency schools throughout the state, as necessary, to complete complaint investigations.
• Gathers and analyzes data necessary to resolve complaints and maintains a database and log system of complaints and supporting documents and prepares corresponding reports.
• Researches applicable law and regulation to determine whether a violation of special education requirements has occurred.
• Communicates with complaint parties and prepares written letters of findings and other correspondence.
• Provides technical assistance to public agencies, families, and Department staff regarding complaints and matters related to the IDEA.
• Collaborates with other Division Branches to ensure consistent messaging.
• Reviews current case law and information related to the IDEA, prepares materials and provides professional learning opportunities.
• Provides support for Department activities, compliance reviews, and follow-up activities.

Qualifications

• Education: A Juris Doctorate, Master’s degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in Education, Special Education or a related field.
• Experience: Four 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 students with disabilities.
• Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's Degree with six 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 and education.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

• One year of professional experience in evaluation, compliance monitoring, or related experience within or affiliated with an organization serving school-aged children with disabilities.
• Experience applying special education laws, regulations, policies, programs, and issues.
• Experience with complaint investigation processes, school system due process rules, 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.

Benefits

The State of Maryland offers competitive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more details, please refer to the State of Maryland Benefits page.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $93,138.70 - $120,491 with progression to $146,883. State Salary Guidelines may apply for current State employees.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is flexible and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

The State of Maryland offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more details, please refer to the State of Maryland Benefits page.

Application Instructions

Please submit your application through the MD State Government online application for employment. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and mailed to MSDE Human Resources Branch, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application, if you are unable to apply online. All application materials must be received in our office by the closing date. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications must be complete to be considered including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the Human Resources address listed above. Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay. Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment. 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.