Project Manager, Special Education Investigator

Job Posting Title

Project Manager, Special Education Investigator

Agency

265 DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Supervisory Organization

Department of Education–Oliver Hodge Education Building

Job Posting End Date

Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full/Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

$64,500

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Project Manager, Special Education Investigator plays a vital role in resolving disputes between parents and districts and requiring compliance with special education laws and regulations. Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and expertise in conducting thorough investigations ensures the provision of high-quality special education services across the state.

Please note: This role requires a consistent, in-person presence at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and does not offer remote, telecommuting, or hybrid options.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Knowledge & Expertise: Remain up to date on the latest developments in special education laws and regulations. Show comprehensive knowledge and understanding of both Federal and State laws, regulations, and compliance mandates pertaining to special education. Exhibit a thorough grasp of proper evaluation, eligibility criteria, and IEP documentation in accordance with applicable guidelines. Demonstrate familiarity with the range of special education services and related support services. Ensure proficiency in using Oklahoma's online IEP system for efficient documentation and management.
• Investigations: Conduct comprehensive investigations of State Complaints and Awareity Concerns, engaging in interviews through phone, virtual platforms, or in-person meetings with complainants, administrators, and educators to gather comprehensive information and insights related to the delivery of special education services. Thoroughly review and analyze confidential student-level files, records, and other pertinent data. When required, perform on-site visits to schools to identify potential areas of non-compliance and to ensure adherence to both federal and state laws and regulations. Document all observations and findings in a detailed and accurate manner, maintaining meticulous records of the investigation process.
• Complaint Decisions: Conduct in-depth research on pertinent State and Federal regulations and case law pertaining to State Complaints. Exhibit exceptional proficiency in communicating ideas clearly and concisely through both verbal and written means, adhering to formal and informal writing styles. Showcase exemplary organizational skills to meet pressing timelines as stipulated in the IDEA guidelines. Generate comprehensive and precise reports, leading to well-informed decisions regarding IDEA State Complaints. As necessary, oversee the assignment and progress monitoring of corrective action plans based on the outcomes and determinations of State Complaints.
• Awareity Concerns: Conduct in-depth research on pertinent Federal regulations and State policies and procedures pertaining to Awareity Concerns.  Exhibit exceptional proficiency in communicating ideas clearly and concisely through both verbal and written means, adhering to formal and informal writing styles. Provide excellent technical assistance leading to resolutions that are aligned with Federal regulations and State policies and procedures. As necessary, oversee the follow up of technical assistance recommendations based on the findings of the Awareity Concerns.
• Compliance: Support the Program Manager of Regulatory Compliance in implementing the general supervision system of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by focusing on Dispute Resolution, particularly State Complaints.
• Collaboration: Engage in collaborative efforts with internal teams, including program managers and policy experts, to ensure alignment with the overarching special education requirements outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Foster productive and harmonious working relationships with parents/families, educators, administrators, and other stakeholder groups to enhance understanding and adherence to IDEA compliance. By working together, we can effectively promote an inclusive and supportive environment for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the best possible education and support.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Education, or a related field; or Juris Doctorate [official transcripts required upon hire];
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certification in Special Education or Educational Administration, or an active law license to practice in Oklahoma.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship;
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license from a U.S. state or territory to perform necessary job-related travel.
• Occasional (up to 10%) in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location: Oliver Hodge Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Physical Demands include:

• Ability to stand, reach and bend 50% of the time;
• Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine/printer, office telephone 75% of the time;
• Ascends/descends stairs 25% of the time;
• Ability to lift to 25 lbs.

Cognitive Requirements:

• This role requires clear and accurate communication, strong analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate information and make timely decisions.
• Sustained focus and attention to detail are essential, along with memory retention of policies, procedures, and facts over various time frames.
• Adaptability and mental flexibility are also necessary to handle changing information, work conditions, and unexpected challenges.

Discover the Benefits of Joining Our Team!  

Are you ready to take the next step in your career with an agency that values your well-being? Look no further! At OSDE, we're proud to offer a robust benefits package designed to support you and your family every step of the way.

• Generous Benefits Allowance: Up to $21,934.08 annually, tailored to family size, for purchasing benefits.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: Choose from a variety of insurance plans with no pre-existing conditions, exclusions, or limitations.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Manage healthcare expenses and/or dependent care with ease.
• Full Participation in TRS: Enjoy employer-covered contributions (7.5% of annual salary) for Teacher’s Retirement System participation.
• Generous Leave Policy: Full-time employees receive 15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave in their first year.
• Paid Holidays: Benefit from 11 paid holidays per year.
• Employee Discounts: Access discounts with various companies and vendors.
• Longevity Bonus: Earn a bonus after completing two years of service, with bonuses continuing annually thereafter.
• Compensatory Time: FLSA Exempt and Nonexempt employees receive compensatory time.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.

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