IDEA Resolution Specialist

Initial Posting Date

06/08/2026

Application Deadline

06/22/2026

Agency

Oregon Department of Education

Salary Range

$7,247 - $11,140

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

IDEA Resolution Specialist

Position Title: IDEA Resolution Specialist

Classification: Education Specialist 2

Salary: $7,247 – $11,140 ($7,751 - $11,913 PERS)

Type: Two positions available. One is Limited Duration ending: 05/06/2028, Full-time, Exempt. The other position is Permanent, Full-time, Exempt.

We are seeking two IDEA Resolution Specialists to join our Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities at the Oregon Department of Education. One is a limited duration position ending: 05/06/2028. The other is a Permanent position. Both positions are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

These positions follow a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will be required when business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources. Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection and maintain a professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected to maintain the same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they would in the office.

What you will do!

The primary purpose of these positions are to ensure that state and federal requirements related to the education of children with disabilities are carried out in a manner that supports strong instructional practice, effective program implementation, and improved outcomes for students. The position works closely with education service districts, local school districts, parents, contract investigators, the Oregon Department of Justice, Administrative Law Judges, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Disability Rights Oregon, the Oregon Law Center, and the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The position has primary responsibility for the Dispute Resolution Committee, a statewide stakeholder group familiar with special education dispute resolution, and facilitates the internal Dispute Resolution Team to support consistent, student-centered decision making.

Typical Duties Include

• Oversee the IDEA dispute resolution system and ensure legal compliance. Coordinate complaint investigations under IDEA Parts B and C, review contracted investigators' findings for thoroughness and legal sufficiency, write and edit complaint orders for the Assistant Superintendent's issuance, ensure mediation and due process processes meet federal and state requirements, and lead the Dispute Resolution Committee. This is the core of the role at roughly 45 percent of the work.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and provide authoritative consultation. Advise ODE staff, districts, investigators, families, and partners on IDEA, Oregon Special Education Rules, Section 504, ADA, and related civil rights requirements, including where those frameworks intersect, and help districts navigate questions involving eligibility, discipline, and allegations of discrimination or bullying. This is the role's second major duty at roughly 20 percent.
• Provide district support, technical assistance, and corrective action follow-through. Act as the primary communication point between complainants and districts throughout the complaint process, and work directly with district administrators after substantiated findings to ensure corrective action is understood, implemented, and monitored to support FAPE.
• Train, support, and build the capacity of contracted complaint investigators. Provide ongoing training and direct support to the contracted investigators, review and give feedback on their draft orders, and drive continuous improvement in the quality, consistency, and legal sufficiency of their investigations and final orders.

Please click here to view the full position description for the Permanent Position

If you would like to retain a copy of this job post or the PD linked above, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting.

Minimum Qualifications: ODE reviews resumes to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications for this position. Please ensure your resume clearly reflects your relevant experience, as it will be used in place of detailed Workday work history for this agency-specific recruitment.

Master's degree in Education or related field from an accredited college or university and five years of education experience in the specialty area under recruitment (e.g., classroom teacher, counselor, itinerant service provider), two years of which includes leadership experience (e.g., lead teacher, program coordinator or director, school administrator) in the specialty area under recruitment.

A Doctorate in Education or related field from an accredited university may substitute for two years of the education experience, but not for the two years of leadership experience.

An Oregon Standard Administrative License (issued by Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) may substitute for the two years of leadership experience.

Preferred Skills & Knowledge (Desired Attributes): A cover letter is required and is an important part of the application process. All application materials are reviewed by Human Resources, the Hiring Manager, and panel members throughout the recruitment process. Your cover letter is a key opportunity to speak directly to each decision-maker, highlight your skills and experience, and demonstrate how your qualifications align with the desired attributes for this role. Cover letter must be no more than two pages.

• Knowledge of IDEA, Special Education Law, and Dispute Resolution Processes Demonstrates working knowledge of IDEA Parts B and C, OAR 581 Division 15, ORS 343, and related state and federal regulations Understands the legal framework governing state complaint processes, due process hearings, mediation, and resolution sessions Able to connect legal requirements to instructional practice and program implementation for students with disabilities.
• Legal Analysis, Writing, and Case Management Demonstrates ability to review investigation findings for legal sufficiency, accuracy, and alignment with federal and state requirements Has experience drafting or editing formal legal documents such as complaint orders, findings of fact, or corrective action plans Able to manage multiple cases simultaneously using tracking and documentation systems to ensure timely resolution.
• Consultation and Subject Matter Expertise Able to serve as a subject matter expert on IDEA, Section 504, the ADA, and related civil rights requirements for internal staff, districts, families, and external partners Provides authoritative, accessible guidance that connects legal requirements to real-world program and instructional decisions Skilled at advising stakeholders on procedural safeguards, student rights, and district obligations in a student-centered manner.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Cross-Agency Collaboration Demonstrates ability to work effectively with a broad range of partners including ESDs, LEAs, the Oregon Department of Justice, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Disability Rights Oregon, and OSEP Has experience facilitating committees, work groups, or stakeholder processes that require building consensus among parties with differing interests Able to manage relationships with contracted investigators and external legal or advocacy entities.
• Data Analysis, Trend Identification, and Policy Contribution Able to analyze dispute resolution and compliance data to identify statewide trends and inform policy or practice adjustments Supports the development and accuracy of SPP/APR indicators 16 through 19 Uses evidence and performance data to recommend policy adjustments and contribute to administrative rule development.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of the attributes listed.

Our Agency Mission and Office Culture

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.

The Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities (OESO) contributes directly to ODE’s mission by ensuring the implementation of multiple federal programs and Oregon’s System of General Supervision for students from birth to age 21. The office is responsible for implementing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and multiple titles of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), including Title I-A, Title II-A, Title IV-A, and Title V-B. The purpose of this office is to provide leadership, technical assistance, and monitoring to ensure districts can meet state and federal obligations, improve student outcomes, and foster equitable and inclusive learning environments.

The scope of OESO is extensive, impacting every school district and education service district in the state. The office includes approximately 60 staff and also oversees the Oregon School for the Deaf, which employs an additional approximately 80 staff.

Key Programs And Initiatives Within OESO Include

• Federal Systems: Overseeing ESEA Title programs, managing the consolidated grant application process, and responding to federal

education initiatives.

• IDEA Programs and Inclusive Services: Implementing Oregon’s System of General Supervision for students with disabilities

through early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE), Regional Inclusive Services (RIS) for low-incidence

disabilities, and PreK-3rd Grade coordination.

• Statewide Improvement Initiatives: Leading efforts in early language and literacy intervention, strengthening the statewide monitoring framework, and providing oversight for Abbreviated School Day Programs.

The work of OESO directly affects local school districts, education service districts, public preschool programs, professional associations, families, and the educators and students served by federal programs and special education services across Oregon.

Oregon State provides amazing benefits! Follow the link below to learn more:

Oregon Job Opportunities : Benefits : State of Oregon

Application Resources & Information

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources. Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting to have the preference considered.
• Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.
• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.
• Please contact ***email_hidden*** if you have any questions on the application process or need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
• Oregon Job Opportunities: How to Apply (Internal & External)
• Understanding the State Application Process
• Resources for Job Seekers

Additional Information

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.
• Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity.
• Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time.

The Department of Education is an equal employment opportunity & affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

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