Project Manager, Special Education Investigator

About Us

At the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), we go beyond merely offering jobs – we actively seek out extraordinary individuals to join our team. As the primary agency entrusted with overseeing K-12 public education in Oklahoma, we are steadfastly devoted to making a meaningful impact on the districts and students we serve. Our exceptional team at OSDE is renowned for its commitment to superior customer service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students across the state. We work hand-in-hand with over 500 school districts and maintain a close partnership with the legislature, ensuring that each Oklahoma student receives the exceptional education they deserve. If you're in search of a fulfilling career that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of children, you've arrived at the right place. Join us in our mission to empower students and elevate the standard of education in Oklahoma. For further insights into OSDE, please visit our website at www.sde.ok.gov.

Position Overview

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented State Complaint Investigator to join our Office of Special Education. In this position, you will play a vital role in resolving disputes between parents and districts and requiring compliance with special education laws and regulations. Your knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and expertise in conducting thorough investigations will contribute to ensuring the provision of high-quality special education services across the state.

Please note: This role requires full in-person attendance, with no options for remote work, telecommuting, or hybrid arrangements. The nature of this position necessitates a consistent in-person presence, and candidates should be prepared to fulfill all responsibilities on-site at the designated workplace in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Minimum Qualifications

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

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 to perform necessary job-related travel.
  
  

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, 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.
• Professional Demeanor: Exhibit a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude. Build relationships, display integrity, and maintain professionalism in communication, behavior, and appearance. Embrace feedback for performance improvement.
• Attendance: Ensure reliable and punctual in-person presence for quality teamwork, productivity, and collaboration. Demonstrate commitment by being engaged, available, and dependable to colleagues and customers.
• Innovation: Identify and address evolving needs and challenges in education. Apply critical thinking, explore new ideas, and embrace innovative approaches to enhance educational outcomes for all students. Utilize creativity, resourcefulness, and forward-thinking to drive positive change and find solutions to complex problems in the field of education.
• Efficiency: Maximize resource utilization and streamline operations. Optimize processes, eliminate redundancies, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and performance. Proactively identify efficiency opportunities and implement best practices for continuous improvement.
• Superior Customer Service: Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional assistance that surpasses expectations. Create positive experiences and build trust-based relationships. Maintain a positive and helpful attitude, using appropriate language, tone, and behavior to consistently reflect the agency positively and leave a favorable impression.
  
  

Essential Competencies

• Effective Communication: Inspire, align, and motivate through clear and empathetic expression. Adapt to diverse audiences and situations, fostering understanding and collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate critical and innovative thinking to align plans with organizational goals. Analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop creative strategies to achieve specific objectives. Consider multiple perspectives, short-term and long-term outcomes, and employ creative problem-solving for effective solutions.
• Decisive Planning: Set clear objectives, delegate tasks, and establish realistic timelines; adapt to uncertainty by making informed decisions swiftly, while developing contingency plans for flexibility in changing circumstances.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate self-awareness and adeptness in managing emotions, fostering positive relationships, and cultivating a harmonious work environment. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations with professionalism seeking constructive outcomes.
• Visionary Thinking: Envisions and inspires a future state divergent from the present reality; demonstrates a deep understanding of trends, challenges, and opportunities, using this insight to imagine and articulate a compelling future vision.
• Adaptability: Thrives in changing circumstances and embraces flexibility; effectively adjusts approach, behavior, and mindset to overcome challenges and ensure forward progress for teams.
• Accountability: Takes ownership and responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes; demonstrates transparency and willingness to address any negative consequences resulting from actions taken.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Guides and supports team members to develop new skills, reach their potential, and foster growth within the organization; provides guidance, feedback, and assistance to help staff achieve their professional goals and enhance their skills for optimal development.
• Team Building: Builds and manages teams with a focus on fostering collaboration, trust, and respect; enhances team dynamics and relationships to promote effective communication, efficient collaboration, and improved teamwork.
• Results Orientation: Drives progress and success by maintaining a strong focus on achieving desired outcomes. Sets clear goals, identifies necessary steps, and takes decisive actions to propel the organization forward; monitors progress and adjusts strategies as needed to ensure goal attainment.
• Technology Proficiency: Identifies opportunities to optimize efficiency and enhance services through technology; utilizes software, hardware, and relevant tools to streamline processes, automate tasks, and elevate customer experiences; adapts to emerging technologies and quickly learns new technological advancements.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Location: Oliver Hodge Building, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

• Work Environment includes:
• Office Setting: Climate-controlled office setting with exposure to moderate noise; the employee is frequently required to talk, walk, and stand; this position requires long periods of sitting and daily use of computer and phone. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time.
• 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.
  

TRAVEL

Occasional (up to 10%) in-state/out-of-state travel may be required.

EEO STATEMENT

The Oklahoma Department of Education provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, OSDE complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.