Job Description

Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.

Job Title:   Director, Special Education Compliance & Monitoring and Requisition ID number:  104005

Close Date:   No established closing date; open until filled

Organizational Unit:   Special Ed Department (10000099) 

Site:   Davis Center (0001) 

FTE :  1.0 FTE, 52 weeks ; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:   MACA(02) 

Functional Area:   Administrative 

Salary Range:  $129,904 - $162,232

Benefits: Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

Serves as the director of special education for the Associate Superintendent Portfolio for the special education schools and programs.

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, provides advice and counsel for MPS staff on special education legal issues; supports and supervises compliance for the special education program sites; provides guidance and leadership for the schools; assists in problem solving complex issues; supports budgeting, staffing and supplies/materials recommendations; manages due process hearings and assists with other litigation involving special education issues; directs and manages special education due process compliance at the district level; supervises District Monitoring and Compliance Staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following :

• Provides advice and counsel for MPS staff and management on special education legal matters; provides legal opinions, minimizes risk and liability, and manages legal issues, documents and proceedings; advises school site and district staff on due process compliance issues.
• Responds to inquiries and provides advice and consultation on the interpretation and consistent application of state and Federal special education rules and regulations and MPS policies.
• Exercises independent judgment within policy guidelines.
• Manages assigned staff, and assigns tasks, programmatic responsibilities, and projects; evaluates performance, resolves workload and technical issues, and assures that goals are defined and achieved; develops staff skills and training plans, and conducts performance evaluations.
• Represents the District in special education legal proceedings, litigation, court appearances, administrative proceedings, and other disputes and legal actions; manages special education litigation, conducts conferences with opposing parties concerning settlement of cases, and negotiates agreements within scope of authority. .
• Responds to formal and informal special education due process compliance complaints and special education complaints filed with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE).
• Manages activities of outside counsel and investigators.
• Prepares and presents training for District staff on legal, technical and compliance issues.
• Monitors trends in special education law, regulations and legislative issues, and recommends operational, procedural and policy improvements.
• Monitors special education compliance data and works with schools and with district staff to develop systems and procedures to promote and maintain compliance with state and federal special education rules and statutes.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis
• At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

Master’s Degree in Education, or related field; AND five years professional experience in special education programs; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Minnesota and Federal rules and statutes, administrative orders, and policies and procedures governing 
  special education, including applicable data privacy laws.
• Legal precedents and court decisions impacting public education, specifically special education.
• Legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases and other research tools.
• Techniques for case management, and the development and presentation of legal strategies.
• Principles and practices of legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.
• Principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, and other data that may be used in court and legal hearings.

Skill in:

• Analyzing administrative and operational data and issues, interpreting special education laws and 
  regulations, evaluating alternatives, and developing strategies for effective resolution of issues.
• Managing litigation, both in administrative hearings and courtroom settings.
• Investigating, analyzing and resolving District issues and complaints.
• Exercising judgment and discretion, negotiating agreements, and mediating difficult situations.
• Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, community leaders, 
  government agency representatives, and the public.
• Operating a computer using standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing.
• Collaborating with district and school site leaders.
• Leading and managing a staff of compliance specialists and due process office specialists.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required. Director of Special Education license authorized by the State of Minnesota is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

• Bargaining Unit: MACA
• Grade: 79
• Salary Range: $129,904 - $162,232
• FLSA Status: Exempt

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Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

 
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

 
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready. Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | [No Established Closing Date] | Special Ed Department (10000099) | Davis Center (0001) | Administrative 

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