Specialist, Research and Resolution, Special Education Due Process Department

DESCRIPTION:

SPECIALIST, RESEARCH AND RESOLUTION,

SPECIAL EDUCATION DUE PROCESS DEPARTMENT

38G (School Support Administrator, 0515)

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general direction of the Chief of Special Education & Specialized Programs or their designee, the duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Represents the District and facilitates all aspects of early dispute resolution in due process proceedings
• Thoroughly researches allegations in due process filings, identifies all aspects of parental concerns, and provides analysis of procedural and substantive issues for each case
• Represents the District in mediation only and selected formal dispute resolution processes involving the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
• Prepares, collects, and maintains accurate documentation and data as it relates to student with disabilities who are identified as requiring case management
• Monitors all aspects of settlement agreements to ensure compliance with all required terms
• Mentors and coaches Region and school site teams, as well as Division staff regarding preparatory activities pertaining to Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, early dispute resolution practices, and the timely implementation of settlement agreements
• Provides technical expertise to school teams in the support of all programs related to students with disabilities, including special education programs and services at all District sites
• Provides professional development on a variety of topics related to instructional programs of students with disabilities, dispute resolution activities, and IEP development
• Analyzes data and applies the analysis to support Division and Region staff in implementing settlement agreements, corrective actions, and appropriate programs for students with disabilities
• Uses data to assist in building capacity of school-site staff to work effectively in planning, holding, and implementing IEPs and programs
• Assists staff to resolve complex or unique problems for which there is no current District policy
• Communicates with all levels of constituents, both internally and externally, with a high degree of confidentiality
• Provides training and support to central office, schools, region, and division staff
• Performs other duties as assigned
• During periods of critical personnel shortage or other emergency situations, temporarily perform duties as directed within authorization of any credentials held and registered with the Office of the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools

SALARY:

Salary: 38G, (School Support Administrator, 0515) – A Basis ($131,068 – $163,154) – 261 paid days

NOTE:  This position will close on June 30, 2025.

• In the case of an annualized employee who is changing basis during the year, this change may result in an annualized “settlement” (i.e., the process by which the District resolves an under or overpayment).
• For employees who change basis during the school year, this basis change may prevent them from earning a full year of service credit.
• Selected individual may be subject to displacement due to norm allocation and seniority-based RIF provisions or due to budget limitations.
• This position is deemed certificated under Education Code Section 44065, but may not qualify for "creditable service" under Education Code Section 22119.5 for CalSTRS benefits. However, if the candidate chosen for the position is already a CalSTRS member, he/she can fill out an election form to remain in CalSTRS and thereby obtain CalSTRS credit for this service.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• At least five (5) years of successful, full-time public-school service in a certificated position(s)
• At least three (3) years of successful, full-time public school experience working with students with disabilities in a certificated capacity
• A valid California Administrative Services Credential
• An earned master’s degree or advanced degree of at least equivalent standard conferred by a regionally-accredited college or university
• Completion of required Multicultural Education and Master Plan coursework*

*Applicants have one year to complete this requirement.

NOTE:  All minimum requirements must be met on or before the filing deadline.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that appropriate documentation is on file with Human Resources.  For additional information, please call (213) 241-6886. 

Employees who have been issued a below standard Performance Evaluation or Notice of Unsatisfactory Act(s) and/or Suspension shall be ineligible for application to any promotion process for one calendar year following the issuance of such a Notice.
 

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of state and federal mandates regarding students with disabilities, implementing regulations, special education best practices, and research on emerging practices in the education of students with disabilities
• Experience in meeting the instructional and behavioral needs of students with disabilities
• Successful experience in implementing special education policies, procedures, and programs, including all aspects of compliance 
• In-depth knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and of Compliance Complaint process under the California Department of Education 
• Knowledge of District policies, procedures, and instructional priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and outside agencies or other school districts
• Experience in conflict resolution 
• Experience with District data systems, including Welligent, MiSiS, Excel, Access, and Outlook applications 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with effective time management skills
• Ability to travel to sites throughout the District

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To be considered for this position, qualified applicants must submit the following application materials as e-mail attachments:
1.    Letter of intent that describes qualifications for this position and successful experience in the following areas:

• Working with school site teams and parents in resolving disputes pertaining to special education programs or services
• Using District applications to analyze data and prepare reports
• Case management and organizational skills. 

2.    Current, detailed résumé (include employee number, if an LAUSD employee) indicating relevant professional and academic experience 
3.    List of three confidential references that includes the current, immediate supervisor and the next most recent supervisors with their contact information, including e-mail addresses.  References will be verified for all applicants who are finalists for the position. 

Applicants are advised that meeting the stated minimum requirements does not ensure an invitation to an interview.
 

SUBMIT RESUMÉ AND LETTER OF INTENT TO:

 Application materials must be e-mailed to the Division of Special Education to Diana Massaria at diana.massaria@lausd.net.  Include the following in the e-mail subject line: “Specialist, Research and Resolution, Applicant Name.”  Please do not send hard copies of the application materials. 

DEADLINE: JANUARY 28, 2025

Dear applicant, please make sure you meet the minimum requirements and have the proper credentials before submitting your application.

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