Under the supervision of the Associate Superintendent for Special Education, the Special Education Compliance Liaison performs highly critical work related to compliance with federal, state, and local mandates governing special education services. The incumbent of this position will provide counsel and guidance to the Associate Superintendent of Special Education on complaints filed with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) or the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), as well as counsel and guidance to principals and school teams who are involved in disputes with parents/guardians of students with disabilities. The Special Education Compliance Liaison is charged with highly sensitive work that requires working closely with the Office of General Counsel and sound and independent judgment, because of the legal ramifications for the school system.

This is an ASASP Unit III Table 900 position Grade 32

Salary Range: $84,025 - $163,005

Closing Date: April 5, 2023

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the following:

• Collaborates with the Associate Superintendent and Instructional Supervisor of Compliance regarding the coordination and management of all activities related to MSDE complaints, requests for mediation, hearing and resolution meetings; Office for Civil Rights requests, and Section 504 Appeals;
• Serves as the liaison for all state and federal monitoring and evaluation activities;
• Coordinates activities related to periodic updates of the Special Education Process Guide, training materials and supplemental appendix documents and forms;
• Develops and revises Prince George's C ounty Public Administrative Procedures related to special education policies and procedures;
• Monitors State Performance Plan (SPP) indicators data and collaborates with Department of Special Education to develop required improvement plans, including support for implementation;
• Reviews legislation and provides input into recommended changes for Prince George's County Public Schools policies and regulations, as well as responses to proposed legislation;
• Identifies compliance related risks by making appropriate policy recommendations, where necessary;
• Coordinates monthly Individualized Education Program (IEP) audits to ensure compliance with federal, state and district special education policies and procedures;
• Prepares compliance reports using data collection, analysis and interpretation, as well as narrative summaries;
• Develops and maintains operational work plans for the implementation of work related to compliance activities, including progress report activities;
• Conducts professional learning sessions to ensure administrators and teachers are trained on current legal requirements and mandates to fulfill IDEA, and Section 504 regulations;
• Apprises, discusses and obtains legal opinion when necessary with the PGCPS General Counsel Office on all policy decisions, preparation of reports or documents when inquiries are received from various stakeholders;
• Ensures the district's c ompliance with IDEA, COMAR and Section 504 by interpreting special education regulations, policies and procedures;
• Ensures the implementation of the Procedural Safeguards Document to protect the rights of parents, guardians and surrogates;
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with organization's p olicies and applicable laws, which include conducting interviews, making hiring recommendations, staff development, staff supervision, performance evaluation, complaint resolution and problem solving;
• Assists Deputy General Counsel in identifying potential witnesses for due process hearings; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local special education laws, policies and procedures;
• Extensive experience in mediation, due process and court proceedings related to disputes involving special education matters;
• Ability to train, deliver information and provide counsel and guidance;
• Demonstrated ability to plan, supervise and review the work of others in a manner conducive to efficient operations and developing a high performing workforce;
• Ability to multitask, organize and prioritize within a fast paced, rigorous environment;
• Excellent ability to think and act both strategically and tactically; an intelligent decision-maker and problem-solver with sound judgment;
• Superior written and oral communication skills and ability to intuitively present and document ideas and concepts to staff, management and stakeholders at all levels;
• Demonstrated competence in the ability to provide timely and accurate information needed to inform executive decisions;
• Computer proficiency with primary emphasis on office organizational tools (intranet/internet; e-mail, task tracking, and calendar functions), spreadsheets, databases, and word processing (Microsoft Office product suite).
• Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative in carrying out program duties and responsibilities; and
• Excellent human relations, oral and written communication skills required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree required; Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school preferred. Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in one or more of the following areas: public school legal issues pertaining to state and federal special education regulations, special education dispute resolution functions in a large school system or public sector organization.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

None

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversees and provides guidance and direction to assigned staff.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

None .

Direct Deposit is expected as a condition of new hire employment.

As a condition of employment, all applicants for employment must be qualified to work in the United States without sponsorship by PGCPS. If you are not work-authorized and would require PGCPS to sponsor you for a work visa you will not be considered for employment.

To submit an application online select apply.

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.