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.

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.

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

• Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Job Skills: Educational support

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check as well as other investigative reviews. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position, unless restricted under state or federal law or federal restrictions. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check as well as other investigative reviews. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position, unless restricted under state or federal law or federal restrictions. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that values diversity and seeks talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Office of Human Resources (human.resources@education.ohio.gov).

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.