Special Education Complaint Investigation Specialist Education Program Specialist

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.

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.

State Salary Grade 21

Salary Range: $93,1387 - $120, 491 with progression to $146,883

• State Salary Guidelines may apply for current State employees.

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building

200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as 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. This includes primary responsibility for investigating complaints, conducting site visits, drafting response letters, and providing technical assistance in order to resolve complaints between public agencies and families.

• Investigates complaints and conducts on site visits to public agency schools and administrative offices throughout the state, as necessary, to complete complaint investigations.
• Conducts onsite visits to public agency schools throughout the state, as necessary, to complete complaint investigations.
• Gathers and analyzes data necessary to resolve complaints and maintains 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.

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.

One year of professional experience in evaluation, compliance monitoring, or related experience within or affiliated with an organization serving school-aged children with disabilities.

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 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…