What are the responsibilities and job description for the Student Complaints Compliance Specialist (Compliance Specialist 3) position at Higher Education Coordinating Commission?
Initial Posting Date:
12/23/2024
Application Deadline:
01/06/2025
Agency:
Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Salary Range:
$5,958 - $8,794
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Student Complaints Compliance Specialist (Compliance Specialist 3)
Job Description:
Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference… for a lifetime!
Do you have a background in law or regulation compliance? Does investigating and resolving student complaints intrigue you? Then look no further! Join the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s Office of Academic Policy & Authorization team as a Student Complaints Compliance Specialist (
Compliance Specialist 3
).
This position is a full-time, limited duration opportunity that is anticipated to last through December, 2025, or become permanent pending additional funding. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the compensation plan for this position will be adjusted to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 6.55%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
Why Join Us
The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission
(HECC) envisions a future where all people benefit from the economic, civic, and cultural impact of high-quality postsecondary education, training, and workforce development. Come work with a team that values equity, collaboration and empathy within beautiful Salem, Oregon!
Our amazing
benefits
include:- Competitive medical, vision and dental benefits package for the employee and qualified family members.
- Opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation savings program.
- A fabulous retirement program.Click hereto visit our full benefits website.
- Work-life balance!
- 11 paid holidays per year.
- 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year.
- 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month.
- Progressive vacation leave accrual, starting at 10 hours per month, with increases every 5 years.
- Hybrid remote work options
What You Will Be Doing
You will enforce the compliance required by HECC’s Office of Degree Authorization (ODA), HECC’s office of Private Career Schools (PCS), & public post-secondary institutions consumer and student protection duties through complaint referral and investigation, and through advice and technical assistance with relevant statutes, rules, and guidelines.
The Work at a Glance
Student Complaints Consultation and Regulation
- Serves as Senior Compliance Specialist for Private Career Schools Unit, Office of Degree Authorization & Public Post-Secondary (PPS) institutions.
- Leads the more difficult investigations into student complaints regarding compliance, consumer and student protection where laws, rules and polices are vague, difficult to understand or extremely complicated. This includes investigations into student complaints where systemic discriminatory practices, disparate treatment, harassment, inappropriate behaviors, etc. are made against a public or private higher education institution.
- Conduct site-specific investigations, which may include interviews with complainants, school officials, witnesses; may also require inspection of facilities, school records, and other documents as appropriate.
- Issue notices for corrective action where violations are found, recommend other penalties such as license suspension or revocation, consult with schools on improvement plans.
- Receive, monitor, refer, and investigate student complaints submitted under SARA
- Research laws, case precedents, and legislative intent to recommend policy direction for student complaints and guide others to compliance.
Technical Consultation & Program Coordination
- Analyze, interpret and apply laws (ORS 345 & ORS 659), rules or agency policies to help colleagues address compliance issues. Instruct fellow PCS & ODA colleagues on handling of regulatory complaints.
- Advise PPS managers, PCS & ODA staff or outside organizations) on program regulations or guidelines.
- Consult with regulated entities (ODA schools, public institutions of higher education, or private career schools) to identify problem areas in school policies or practices regarding student complaints and improve conditions.
- Formulate and update training policies or procedures for external partners, and PCS and ODA staff. Design and provide training for staff members and regulated or client groups or individuals. Identify training resources for customers.
- Develop standards and procedures that guide student complaints enforcement activities. Develop program goals, objectives and action plans for student complaints.
This is a full-time, limited duration position headquartered at HECC’s Salem Office and is not represented by a union. This position is required to either possess and maintain a valid driver's license by the state of residence or provide an acceptable mode of alternative transportation, in order to travel to required training and meetings. The successful candidate may be eligible for in-state hybrid work, which consists of performing duties onsite in a standard office environment and working remotely.
For a complete list of duties and working conditions, please contact the recruiter for the position description.
What We Need (Minimum Qualifications)
Five years’ experience doing administrative research that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action, or decide compliance or eligibility with program guidelines and regulations. Three of the five years must be above the technical support level.
College-level course work may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.
Desired Attributes/Skills
If you have these qualities, let us know! It’s how we will choose whom to move forward!
- Preference may be given to candidates with a legal background or training.
- Experience with student and consumer protection agency-level work.
- Working knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes and Administrative Rules pertaining to private career schools and public institutions student complaints, including standards for licensure.
- Working knowledge of federal standards and statutes such as Title IV and Title IX of the Higher Education Act, Federal Education Privacy Rights Act, and other related statues and rules.
- Familiarity with Administrative Procedures Act (APA) and administrative hearings rules.
- Familiarity with the administrative rulemaking processes, hearings, timelines, and external partner involvement.
- Experience with issuing regulatory sanctions such as cease & desist orders, fees, fines, and civil penalties.
- Ability to communicate effectively with school owners, teachers, administrators and students on complex regulatory matters.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects, rapidly shifting priorities in a deadline-oriented work environment.
- Attention to detail, ability to focus for extended periods of time on a single regulatory issue.
Equitable Recruiting
The HECC strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of these positions, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a non-traditional background.
How to Apply
Current State of Oregon Employees:
State Employees Apply for Jobs Guide
External Candidates:
Application Guide for External Applicants
Application Materials: The hiring manager has requested the following materials be included with your application:
- Resume
- Cover letter - no more than two (2) pages and clearly demonstrates what legal background and training you possess and/or what experience you have with handling student or consumer complaints.
Help Your Application Rise to the Top!
Your application materials are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase the amazing skills and experience, making you the best candidate for the position. Submissions will be screened for completeness, consistency, and communication skills at the professional level (attention to detail, spelling, grammar, etc.)
Need help?
For questions about the recruitment and selection process, or to request an alternate format, please contact the recruiter: Christina Steele-
Christina.Steele@hecc.oregon.gov
/ (503) 934-3482
The Fine Print
COLA: Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the compensation plan for this position will be adjusted to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 6.55%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.
Future Vacancies: We may use the candidates from this posting to fill future vacancies. This position may become permanent if future funding becomes available.
Criminal Records Check: Employment is contingent on the outcome of a criminal records check which may require fingerprints (FBI). Any history of criminal activity will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
Veterans: If you are a veteran you may receive preference. A request will be sent to your applicant inbox to submit your veteran’s DD214 form.
Click here
for more information about veterans’ preference.
Visa Sponsorship: We do not offer Visa sponsorships. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US.
The HECC is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). HECC does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices.
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