Project Manager, Special Education Investigator

Position Overview

The Project Manager, Special Education Investigator, is a key figure in addressing conflicts between parents and school districts, ensuring compliance with special education laws. This role demands expertise in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and skill in conducting detailed investigations to guarantee the delivery of top-quality special education services statewide. Note that this position requires full-time in-person attendance at the Oklahoma City office, with no remote work options.

Key Responsibilities

• Stay current with federal and state laws, regulations, and compliance requirements relevant to special education, including evaluation, eligibility, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) documentation.
• Conduct thorough investigations of State Complaints and Awareity Concerns by interviewing various stakeholders via phone, virtual meetings, or in-person, reviewing confidential student records, and performing on-site school visits when necessary.
• Analyze and document all findings in detail while following IDEA guidelines, draft comprehensive reports, and oversee corrective action plans if required.
• Provide technical assistance related to Awareity Concerns and monitor follow-up actions in compliance with federal and state policies.
• Support regulatory compliance initiatives, especially managing dispute resolution related to State Complaints under IDEA.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders such as families, educators, and administrators to promote adherence to IDEA and foster an inclusive educational environment.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master's degree in Special Education, Education, or related discipline, or Juris Doctorate (official transcripts required upon hiring).
• Valid Oklahoma teaching certification in Special Education or Educational Administration, or an active Oklahoma law license.
• Authorized to work full-time in the U.S. without sponsorship, must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver's license; occasional travel (up to 10%) within and outside the state is expected.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

• Ability to stand, reach, and bend about 50% of the time.
• Use computer and office equipment approximately 75% of the time.
• Ascend and descend stairs about 25% of the time.
• Capable of lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Requires strong communication, analytical skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and memory retention over varying time spans.

Benefits

• Annual benefits allowance up to $21,934.08 depending on family size.
• A range of insurance plans available with no exclusions or pre-existing condition limitations.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Employer contributions of 7.5% to Teacher’s Retirement System (TRS).
• Generous leave: 15 vacation days, 15 sick days, and 11 paid holidays per year for full-time staff.
• Employee discount programs with various vendors.
• Longevity bonuses starting after two years of service, continuing annually.
• Compensatory time for exempt and non-exempt employees.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program offering support and resources.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Oklahoma is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability status. Current State employees must apply internally.