This is a full-time exempt position, following a 12-month, 260-day schedule, located in Harrisburg, PA. Although the position is home-based, occasional in-person attendance for in-person meetings and trainings in Pennsylvania may be required.
JOB DEFINITION: The Office for Dispute Resolution Special Education Coordinator provides statewide service on behalf of the Bureau of Special Education (BSE) to families, organizations and legislative staff representing Pennsylvania's exceptional children. This position provides constituents with an accurate and timely response to inquiries and concerns about relevant federal and state laws, policies, procedures, and dispute resolution opportunities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Responds to requests to the Special Education ConsultLine for information, assistance and, at times, intervention regarding special education issues for students with disabilities.
- Develops and maintains current knowledge of special education laws, regulations, policy, dispute resolution options and culturally responsive agency practices, through continued research, trainings, conferences and meetings with appropriate sources.
- Notifies BSE of any relevant issues raised during ConsultLine calls and as reported through the Call Resolution Process (CRP).
- Develops, maintains and disseminates current and appropriate resource and referral information to constituents in consultation with the ODR program manager. This includes maintaining an up-to-date list of PDE-approved publications and ensuring the quantity of onsite publications is adequate for distribution needs.
- Presents and assists in the development of trainings and outreach activities on special education laws, regulations, procedural safeguards, ODR services and other focus topics.
- Conducts outreach activity for constituency awareness of ConsultLine and other ODR services through communication with government and other appropriate agencies and the dissemination of the ConsultLine brochure and other ODR publications.
- Maintains accurate, up-to-date ConsultLine data entry and database revisions in consultation with ConsultLine staff and the ODR Program Manager.
- Regularly update the ODR website to keep content accurate and current, and coordinate with the website developer to address technical issues as they arise.
- Ensure the website remains accessible and user-friendly for the public, in compliance with accessibility standards.
- Send Hearing Officer decisions for accessibility processing and keep the Hearing Officer Decision page updated.
- Maintains effective and cooperative working relationship with the BSE and Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) staff.
- Act as a resource for local and IU statewide support programs.
OTHER MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform other related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or designee.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS REQUIRED:
- A Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, special education or a related field is required. A Master’s degree and special education experience are preferred. No special certifications are required.
- Minimum five (5) years’ professional work experience working within special education programs and services or a combination of experience with students with disabilities or diverse learners is required.
- Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations and policies with regard to special education is required.
- Proficiency in word processing, database, spreadsheet, web-based and presentation computer applications is required.
- Adept at using virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
- Excellent verbal communication skills, good written communication and public speaking
- Ability to interpret, analyze and problem solve as well as work with a broad range of people from diverse backgrounds are required.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills to prioritize the task based on project deadlines. And must be able to type accurately and maintain a high level of productivity.
- Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:
- Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
- Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS :
- Maintain up-to-date skills in computer programs, personal skills and office systems pertinent to the job assignment.
- Remain current in CSIU policies, special education and standards and procedures.
- Attend relevant trainings / seminars as related to job responsibilities.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT :
- Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time to review data on computer monitor, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
- Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
- Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
- Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
- Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
- Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
- Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.
TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:
- This is a full time, exempt 12-month, 260-day position.
- This is a remote, home-based position, where the employee’s home serves as the primary telework location. In this role, mandatory in-person attendance will be required at the CSIU Main Office or other designated CSIU locations for specific events, including training sessions, staff orientations, and any other meetings deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor or their designee. Eligible travel expenses associated with these in-person requirements will be reimbursed in accordance with IRS federal regulations for remote, home-based positions.
- Occasional travel including evening or overnight.
- Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.
CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:
- All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment, or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
- The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state and federal laws and regulations.
- The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled “Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too” and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.
The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.
