Skip to Main Content

Director of Family Support and Dispute Resolution

Education Program Manager II

Recruitment #25-005059-0001

Go Back View Benefits

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 – students, teachers, principals, and other educators throughout Maryland.

GRADE

State Salary Grade 24
Salary Range: $102,426 - $165,372
*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

LOCATION OF POSITION

Nancy S. Grasmick Education Building
200 West Baltimore Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

This is a management position serving as the Director of the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch (FSDR). This position manages, directs and, coordinates staff activities in developing and implementing strategies to ensure local school systems and other public agencies comply with state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the education of students with disabilities.  This includes the requirement of the core program requirements in Part B and Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and establishing goals and objectives in completing investigations of alleged violations of the requirements.

POSITION DUTIES

Provides leadership and direction to the Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch (FSDR) and is responsible for: 1) Supervision and oversight of the Branch State Complaint Section. 2) Supervision and oversight of Branch Family Support Section. 3) Liaises with the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) regarding due process hearings and mediations.
  • Directs and supervises staff in completing tasks to ensure general and specific timelines are met. This includes conducting complaint investigations, maintaining all necessary tracking systems, evaluating data and analyzing information to evaluate programs including the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR), reviewing due process hearings and other assignments made by the Assistant State Superintendent.
  • Provides technical assistance through professional learning and other opportunities to LEA Compliance Managers and Special Education Directors regarding special education compliance, state cases, new legislation, new agency guidance, and related issues. 
  • Provides technical assistance in all matters related to state and federal special education regulations to stakeholders and agency personnel. Contact appropriate LEA staff, as appropriate, to ensure correction and compliance.
  • Assists with the drafting of technical assistance and guidance documents for stakeholders to ensure federal and state requirements for students with special education needs birth through 21 are understood and disseminated.
  • Develops, implements and assesses strategies to implement the regulatory requirement of Part B and Part C of the IDEA. 
  • Advises and recommends to the Assistant State Superintendent strategies to meet applicable regulations in including corrective actions, technical, assistance and other methods. Including sanctions to be placed on Public Agencies for non-compliance. Ensures an equitable flow of assignments to staff.
  • Provides direct assistance and opportunities for training to staff to ensure assignments are satisfactorily completed.
  • Reviews all letters and other written material developed by Branch staff and reviews and/or prepares draft regulation as required as requested by the Assistant State Superintendent.
  • Ensures Public Agencies make changes in policy procedure, and practice determined necessary by the Assistant State Superintendent.
  • Maintains regular contact with the Office of the Attorney General regarding Department matters and Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) regarding their responsibility for conducting special education due process hearings and mediation consistent with state and federal law/regulations and recommends training and other technical assistance needed by Administrative Law Judges fulfilling their responsibilities under the IDEA.
  • Communicates with local Superintendents of schools, assistant/deputy superintendents, directors of special education, and advocates including state-wide associations and parent attorneys regarding compliance. 
  • Creates presentations, as requested by the Assistant State Superintendent, and for Compliance Managers and LEA Directors, regarding federal and state special education matters, state initiatives, legislation, cases, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   A Juris Doctorate, Master’s degree, or the equivalent of 36 credit hours of post-baccalaureate coursework in Education, Special Education, or a related field.

Experience: Five years of administrative or teaching (school-based or district-based) experience in, or affiliated with, special education programs, complaint investigation, due process, compliance, student advocacy and/ or the provision of special education services to students with disabilities.

Notes:
  1. Two additional years of experience directly related to the position option may be substituted for the required Master’s Degree.
  2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
  3. The required field of education and experience is unique for each option and is 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. 
  4. 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 supervisory experience in evaluation, compliance monitoring, or related experience within or affiliated with an organization serving school-aged children with disabilities.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Please include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.
  • Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, policies, programs, and issues.
  • Knowledge of complaint investigation processes, school system due process rules, requirements, and associated data tracking systems.
  • Skill in responding effectively to problems and inquiries from educational agencies, school personnel, parents, and other concerned stakeholders.
  • Skill in interpreting and applying laws and regulations governing early intervention and special education programs.
  • Skill interpreting and applying laws and regulations governing early intervention and special education programs.
  • Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with local school systems and public agencies.
  • Ability to conduct legal research and manage multiple tasks.
  • Ability to clearly communicate orally and in writing.

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.

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

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 410-333-8950 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 410-767-0019, 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 State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

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

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.



Powered by JobAps