Program Specialist, Dispute Resolution Posting Begin Date: 2025/04/16 Posting End Date: 2025/07/16 Category: Education Sub Category: K-12 Work Type: Full Time Location: Boise, ID, United States Minimum Salary: 22.40 Maximum Salary: 26.74 Pay Rate Type: Hourly Description Idaho Department of Education This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission. Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date. The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/. The Special Education Dispute Resolution (DR) Program Specialist will support the State Special Education’s Dispute Resolution office. Dispute Resolution processes are federally mandated to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which dictates stringent timelines and monitoring requirements associated with special education dispute resolution. This position works directly with the Dispute Resolution Coordinator and reports to the Director of Special Education. The successful incumbent will be able to provide information, clarification, and assess the need for additional assistance by the DR Coordinator for parents and districts seeking information about special education concerns and/or dispute resolution processes; provide intake, case management activities, and track follow-up systems for facilitations, mediations, complaint investigations, and due process hearings; provide administrative support for the DR Coordinator, as well as up to thirty (30) contractors in the field; and provide support for multiple trainings and meetings. This position may be filled before the posting end date. This posting will be open until filled. RESPONSIBILITIES: · Remain calm and professional when de-escalating phone calls with distraught individuals. · Provide technical information outlined in the Idaho Special Education Manual to parents, district personnel, and the general public accessing IDEA dispute resolution processes, including IEP facilitation. · Appropriately channel individuals seeking information regarding the IDEA dispute resolution systems or other special education issues to the appropriate Coordinator or Director. · Professionally, concisely, and accurately summarize the concerns of callers in writing. · Compose and edit business and technical documents. · Act as the point of contact for approximately thirty (30) independent DR contractors around the state and aid in effective problem-solving and support for those in the field. · Implement multiple tracking systems that ensure: timely completion of state administrative complaint investigations and filing of written reports; IDEA-compliant use of mediation processes; proper coding of corrective actions performed by districts; assignment and evaluation of contractors for facilitations and mediations; and monitoring the progress of due process hearings which would include following up on district responsibilities and timelines. · Provide detailed casework documentation, ensure timely distribution of notifications and office correspondence and reports, and coordinate follow-up activities associated with compliance of corrective actions by districts. · Participate in the development and continual improvement of DR procedures and maintain a detailed procedural manual of office protocols. · Support contractor needs, including circulation of contracts, submission of necessary documentation, resource support, and other supports, as needed. · In partnership with the DR Coordinator, compile and disseminate relevant case law and other resources to contracted facilitators, mediators, complaint investigators, and hearing officers. · Maintain secure files and uphold the stringent confidentiality requirements mandated by IDEA and FERPA. · Update required dispute resolution data collection and management systems using Microsoft Excel and Outlook. Provide timely reports to the DR Coordinator of upcoming corrective actions and district delinquencies, as well as year-end reports to federal agencies. · Provide administrative support to the DR Coordinator and help organize and provide materials for group meetings, task forces, and advisory committees. · Assist in making presentations and providing training. · Maintain the DR webpage to include parent and district resources, access to documents, and DR processes and scheduling. · Act as the tier-one accessibility checker and format any public documents for ADA accessibility per SDE policies and procedures. · Maintain records of off-site storage for the DR office and according to any updated records retention policy. · In collaboration with the DR Coordinator and Communications Department, coordinate the review, processing, and timely response to public records requests in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and public records statutes. · Conduct thorough reviews of records to identify and redact sensitive or confidential information, ensuring the protection of personally identifiable information (PII) and adherence to legal and regulatory guidelines. · Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: · Associate’s degree or comparable education level required. · Superior communication skills. Candidate must be able to convey, over the phone and in writing, professionalism and empathy when dealing with often distraught and frustrated individuals. · Transferable skills in: managing multiple caseloads, including tracking timelines and monitoring complex follow-up activities; supporting training for large groups; composing and proofreading business, training, and technical documents; interpreting, applying and explaining complex information such as regulations, policies or services; accessing data using a computerized system; and maintaining a complex records system. · Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Adobe is required. · Emphasis will be placed on strong organizational skills, ability to work independently, andbalancing the workload for multiple and often time-sensitive responsibilities. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: · Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Business Administration, Education, or related field, from an accredited college or university. · Education/experience in alternative dispute resolution, legal assisting and/or special education. · Fluency in Excel is preferred (i.e. creating complex formulas and manipulation of data sets). PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (with or without reasonable accommodation) This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks: · Operate standard office equipment such as a computer, telephone, copier, and scanner. · Perform general administrative duties including typing, filing, answering phones, processing paperwork, and assembling office materials. · Read, review, and process both printed and digital documents. · Navigate websites and online systems; identify and respond to safety concerns; greet and assist visitors. · Maintain focus and attention to detail for extended periods. · Understand, communicate, and follow through on program support tasks and responsibilities. · Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time. · Approximately 10% of time is spent standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. · Occasionally lift items, typically weighing under 5 lbs., and occasionally up to 20 lbs. TRAVEL REQUIRED: This position may involve some travel, but no more than 5%, to support training for local education agencies. BENEFITS: The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.* ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE: Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency. Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge. TO APPLY: To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application. Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted. EEO/ADA/VETERAN: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email[email protected]. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.