Education Program Specialist - Dispute Resolution

The work location of this position is 25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215. You will be required to report to this work location full-time, if selected.

Education

On behalf of the Office for Exceptional Children (OEC), Dispute Resolution Section ensures compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state regulations through technical assistance or the formal complaint and credible allegation procedures:

• Receives and responds to complex telephone calls or emails from the public (e.g., superintendents, directors of special education, attorneys, advocates, and parents) relating to special education using written correspondence or oral communication: logs and tracks data from emails and calls (e.g., records name, issue, facts surrounding issue, follow-up, action plan, and response);
• Provides technical assistance to the public and parties to a dispute regarding special education, dispute resolution processes, and other education issues relating to special education;
• Collaborates and coordinates with Office for Exceptional Children and other Department staff to provide technical assistance to public regarding special education and students with disabilities;
• Meets federally mandated timelines for credible allegations and complaints;
• Investigates IDEA credible allegations or complaints within the 60 day federal timeline;
• Ensures formal complaint or credible allegations process is followed;
• Develops case plan and interview questions;
• Conducts investigatory interviews;
• Conducts onsite visits (as applicable);
• Develops final report (e.g., letter of finding, withdrawal) which outlines compliance and non-compliance with IDEA;
• Develops a corrective action plan if there is noncompliance;
• Supports the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children.
  
  

Performs Other Duties As Assigned

• Participates and organizes statewide meetings for administrators, teachers and parents of children with disabilities;
• Conducts workshops and makes presentations.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

6 years of experience in any combination of the following:

• Legal and/or analytical writing.
• Direct or administrative experience dealing with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) related rules, policies, and procedures (e.g., writing and implementing special education procedures and required documents).
• Analysis of documents and records, and in conducting investigatory interviews (e.g., phone, in-person).
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with conducting investigations and writing investigatory reports.
• A working knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Completion of a Master’s degree in one of the following areas: Education (i.e., special education, educational administration/leadership, curriculum (core academic content), assessment, education technology, cross-cultural studies, gifted, educational guidance/counseling) or related services (i.e., school psychology, educational psychology, speech-language pathology, audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy); Social Work; Public Policy; Public Administration; Juris Doctorate; Communication; Journalism; Dispute Resolution; Social Sciences; Criminal Justice.
  
  

Job Skills: Educational support

Organization

Education and Workforce

Agency Contact Name and Information

Jacob Lowry - jacob.lowry@education.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Apr 11, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Work Location

25 South Front Street

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

Starting at $32.80

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

40 hours per week, M-F

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Educational Support

Technical Skills

Interviewing, Customer Service, Investigation, Research

Professional Skills

Conflict Management, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Time Management, Written Communication

Agency Overview

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is a diverse team of passionate, education-focused professionals responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of education for each of Ohio’s 1.7 million students. The Department provides the resources and supports essential to raising student achievement and accelerating learning opportunities, advancing the connectivity between K-12 and postsecondary learning, creating programs to support and expand workforce experiences, and ensuring students have the necessary supports to be ready each day to learn.

As the governing body responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of education within the State of Ohio, the Department of Education and Workforce is dedicated to promoting educational excellence and ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all students. The Department is committed to collaborating with schools, districts, educators, students, families, businesses, nonprofits and all stakeholders to achieve our educational goals.