The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) has an opening for an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Complaint Investigator - MOA position in Franklin County.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under general direction of the associate commissioner, the IDEA Complaint Investigator is responsible for conducting impartial, thorough, and timely investigations of formal written complaints filed with the KDE pursuant to the IDEA, its implementing regulations, and Kentucky special education regulations.
The investigator independently reviews allegations concerning the provision of special education and related services by local educational agencies (LEAs) and other public agencies subject to IDEA requirements.
The position gathers and analyzes documents, identifies applicable legal and regulatory requirements, conducts interviews, determines whether sufficient documentation supports findings of compliance or noncompliance, and prepares clear, legally sound written reports within required timelines.
The investigator serves as a neutral factfinder on behalf of the State Educational Agency (SEA). The position does not advocate for either the complainant or the public agency and must maintain independence, objectivity, confidentiality, and professional judgment throughout the investigative process.
Review formal written complaints to determine whether allegations meet IDEA complaint requirements and fall within KDE's jurisdiction.
Identify and clearly articulate the specific allegations and issues requiring investigation.
Determine the applicable IDEA statutes, federal regulations, Kentucky Administrative Regulations, and relevant KDE policies or procedures.
Identify issues requiring clarification and obtain additional information when necessary to define the scope of the investigation.
Recognize allegations that may implicate other legal requirements or enforcement mechanisms and consult with appropriate KDE personnel regarding jurisdiction or referral.
Produce high-quality, legally sound Reports of Findings within the 60-day investigation timeline.
Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
EDUCATION:
Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:
Must have four years of professional experience in the field of education.
SUBSTITUTION:
EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:
None.
EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:
None.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
Master's degree or higher in special education, educational leadership, law, public administration, or a related field.
Experience administering or implementing IDEA requirements at the school, district, regional, or state level.
Experience conducting administrative, compliance, civil-rights, educational, or similar fact-finding investigations.
Experience developing or reviewing IEPs, evaluations, disciplinary documentation, behavioral supports, or special education due process records.
Experience writing formal findings, compliance reports, administrative decisions, monitoring reports, or similar professional documents.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.)
Must have full certification in special education or exceptional children education. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credential.
Applicants and employees in this classification may be required to submit to a drug screening test and background check.
Applicants currently under contract with a local school district are required to provide a written release from their superintendent prior to an offer of employment will be given.
In accordance with KRS 161.220 the applicant selected for this position will become a member of the Teachers' Retirement System.
NOTE: This position will be filled through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The applicant selected for this position must be an employee of a Kentucky local school district or institution of higher education.
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION, please send resume, and letter of interest directly to: Kanaka Aspari, Division of Resource Management, 300 Sower Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601; Phone: 502-564-3716; Email: kanaka.aspari@education.ky.gov Applications are not kept on file and must be resubmitted.
For further information concerning the application process, e-mail Kanaka Aspari at: kanaka.aspari@eduacation.ky.gov
This position will remain open until filled.
An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer