Supervisor of Special Education Data and Policy (Education Program Supervisor)

Introduction

The Maryland State Department of Education is dedicated to supporting a world-class educational system that prepares all students for college and career success in the 21st century. With excellent stewardship from our divisions, we oversee State and federal programs that support the needs of a diverse population â students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 22

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building

200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

This position serves as the Supervisor of Data and Policy for the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch and is responsible for ensuring systemic compliance, accountability, and strategic policy development under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The position directs the review of branch-level legal and policy documents, leads corrective action processes resulting from IDEA dispute resolution findings, and oversees branch-wide data collection and reporting to satisfy state, federal, and internal programmatic metrics.

This position develops and coordinates professional learning and technical assistance for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and Public Agencies (PAs) to support correction of noncompliance, handles complex State complaints, and implements systems of accountability across the branch. Working collaboratively with the Branch Director and the Supervisor of Dispute Resolution, the incumbent develops comprehensive policies to expand early and alternative dispute resolution initiatives, Â analyzes data and discovers trends in special education disputes, and builds and provides responsive TA to stakeholder groups.

POSITION DUTIES

Position Duties Include:

• Supervises staff who oversee Corrective Actions and Data and provides Policy Review, Data, and Accountability for Family Support and Dispute Resolution.
• Conducts quality assurance and reviews of legal documents , policy statements, and formal decisions issued by the FSDR branch to ensure alignment with the IDEA, applicable COMAR regulations, and MSDE policy.
• Serves as FSDRâs principal expert on the interpretation and application of special education law.
• Designs, implements, and maintains robust internal and external systems of accountability across the FSDR branch to measure the overall efficacy of compliance monitoring and IDEA dispute resolution systems.
• Develops, coordinates, and implements an annual plan for professional learning and technical assistance reflecting state, regional, and local priorities and concerns, and which is responsive to trends emerging in Family Support data and IDEA Dispute Resolution data.Â
• Collaborates with family support services staff to collect statewide data for Family Support Networks, Preschool Partners, and Partners for Success Centers focusing on data measuring the impact of services and supports provided to families, as well as identifying trends for statewide TA, professional development, and effectiveness of the system of family support.
• Identifies trends in dispute resolution data and develop training and supports for LEAs and parents to implement and utilize informal dispute resolution processes.
• Manages, reviews, and investigates complex, sensitive, or high-profile State complaints at the request of the Director, FSDR.
• Oversees the development of internal systems, implementation, and tracking of corrective actions assigned to LEAs and PAs resulting from IDEA State complaint investigations.
• Develops effective systems of IDEA enforcement and accountability to ensure that all noncompliance related to IDEA dispute resolution is durably corrected within mandated timelines.
• Provides Development and oversight of the PIA response process for the Division of Special Education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:Â A Juris Doctorate, Masterâs Degree, or equivalent 36 post baccalaureate credit hours of course work in Education, Special Education or a related field

EXPERIENCE: Four years of legal, policy, administrative, compliance, accountability, or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, a special education or other disability program

Notes:Â

• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Masterâs degree or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post baccalaureate course work in Education or a related area for the two years of required experience directly related to the position option.
• Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for three years of the required experience.
• The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
• Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

One year of experience in one of the following:

• Providing legal or policy analysis on matters related to special education or other disability programsÂ
• Compliance monitoring in a special education or other disability program

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualifications. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Possession of a juris doctorate degree specializing in special education and/or disability law
• Extensive experience in public policy and applying law
• Experience with IDEA or other disability regulations, policies, programs, and issues.Â
• Experience conducting authoritative legal and policy research
• Experience providing legal advice or opinions to decision-makers
• Experience supervising staff
• Experience with special education compliance systems

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must consent to State and FBI (CJIS) background check as a routine procedure for all employees.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified. The resulting list of qualified candidates will be placed on the eligible (employment) list for one year.

For education obtained outside of the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation will be required prior to hire. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.Â

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must complete the MD State Government online application for employment and submit their professional resume. The application and resume must clearly demonstrate that the applicant satisfies the minimum qualifications for the position. Applications must be complete to be considered, including all related job duties, even if those are also listed on an attached resume. Additional required materials may be uploaded with the online application, submitted to the fax number, or mailed to the address listed.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-554-9397 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0012, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the Stateâs diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.Â

All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.