| SUMMARY DESCRIPTION; PHYSICAL DEMANDS; & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Summary Description: Under direction of the Director of the Department of Special Education Compliance, and in coordination with department coordinators, instructional specialists, and staff in the Department of Special Education Compliance, assists in coordinating the work of the principal functions of the department, such as administrative reviews, mediation, resolution meetings, due process hearings, independent educational evaluations (IEEs), and responses to state and federal complaints; conducts legal research; monitors system-wide data to track compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Maryland special education requirements; prepares professional learning, meeting, hearing, and other legal project materials; assists with responding to compliance questions from school and central office staff; assists with drafting and filing pleadings and hearing documents; assists with investigations and the preparation of responses to agency complaints; monitors state and local hearings, decisions, developments, and related legislation; and collects and analyzes data.
Physical Demands: None
Special Requirements: Ability to work overtime and weekend hours as needed.
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of litigation preparation and administrative law procedure. Knowledge of federal and state special education laws, including requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). Knowledge of federal non-discrimination laws for students with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). Knowledge of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) organization and structure, policies and procedures related to students with disabilities, and other special education-related laws and regulations. Understanding of special education programs and services. Ability to analyze and interpret federal, state, and local laws. Familiarity with using standard online legal research sites such as Special Ed Connect. Knowledge of Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret records and data relative to mediation, due process hearings, or state complaints. Ability to use data to monitor system-wide special education compliance and identify trends. Ability to prepare clear, accurate professional learning materials for school administrators, special educators, and student services staff. Ability to work effectively with others. Ability to handle highly sensitive information and maintain confidentiality, including student education records. Excellent oral and written communication and human-relations skills. Knowledge of, and the ability to meet, the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System. |
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EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Education, Training, Experience: Associate's degree required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Courses in paralegal studies or pre-law from an accredited college or university, or a paralegal certificate, desirable. Training, coursework, and/or experience in special education law or other legal issues related to the principal functions of the department. Three or more years of prior experience working in a law firm, clerkship, government law office, or school system special education dispute resolution or compliance office is highly preferred. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.Certificate and License Requirements: None |
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Example Duties: (The job duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office.)The duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office.Receives, logs, and screens requests for administrative reviews, mediation, due process hearings, independent educational evaluations (IEEs), state complaints, and other agency complaints; confirms each request is complete, opens the case file, calendars deadlines under IDEA and Maryland regulations, sends acknowledgment letters and procedural notices, and routes matters to the appropriate department staff members and the compliance coordinator(s). Tracks the status of each matter in the department's case tracking system and reports status, including implementation of settlement agreements, hearing decisions, and corrective actions, to the Director and the compliance coordinator(s). Provides technical assistance to central office and school staff members and responds to parent/guardian inquiries about dispute resolution processes and procedural safeguards; does not provide legal advice and refers legal questions to the Director of the Department of Special Education Compliance. Supports the MSDE state complaint process by logging complaint notices, tracking MSDE investigation and response timelines, gathering the student records and documentation MSDE requests, preparing draft responses and exhibits for review by the Director and the compliance coordinator(s), submitting responses to MSDE, and monitoring completion of corrective actions required by MSDE findings. Compiles educational records, Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents, evaluations, and chronologies, and conducts staff member interviews as needed, to support state complaint responses and other dispute resolution matters. Assists with responses to complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, IEE requests, document requests (including subpoenas and Maryland Public Information Act requests), and scheduling and logistics for administrative reviews, mediations, resolution meetings, facilitated IEP meetings, and due process hearings. Maintains attorney-client privileged notes regarding potential resolution and/or strategies for settling complaints filed against MCPS. Collects, analyzes, and reports system-wide data, including intake volume, timelines, and implementation of settlement agreements and corrective actions, to monitor compliance with IDEA, Section 504, Maryland requirements, and MCPS policy; identifies trends and potential systemic concerns; communicates findings to the Director, and the compliance coordinator(s); develops and updates electronic databases and tracking systems; and assists with MSDE monitoring and data verification requests. Conducts legal research on IDEA, Section 504, the ADA, FERPA, Maryland law and regulations, case law, Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) decisions, prior MSDE state complaint findings, and MSDE and Office for Civil Rights guidance; prepares research summaries; and monitors legislation, regulations, and decisions affecting special education. Assists with the development, revision, and rescission of forms, policies, procedural guidance, and the MCPS Special Education Compliance Manual. Prepares professional learning materials, such as presentations, guidance documents, and job aids, for school administrators, special educators, and student services staff members, using intake and compliance data to identify training topics. Prepares correspondence and briefing materials for parents/guardians, MSDE, MCPS offices, the Superintendent, and the Board of Education; attends meetings and prepares written materials from notes; and contacts OAH, MSDE, and other offices about filings, deadlines, or pending matters. Communicates the status of work proactively, displays a high degree of professionalism, and exercises sound judgment to resolve sensitive matters. Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. |
