Associate Director - Dispute Resolution (Attorney 5)

Primary Location: United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus Work Locations: Ohio Department of Education 25 South Front Street Columbus 43215-4104 Organization: Education and Workforce Classified Indicator: Classified Bargaining Unit / Exempt: Exempt Schedule: Full-time Work Hours: 40 hours per week Compensation: Starting at $81,681/year Unposting Date: Jan 21, 2024, 10:59:00 PM Primary Job Skill: Attorney/Legal Technical Skills: Data Analytics, Attorney/Legal, Management, Policy Direction Professional Skills: Coaching, Critical Thinking, Leading Others, Problem Solving, Verbal Communication Agency Contact Name: Jacob Lowry Agency Contact Information: jacob.
lowry@education.
ohio.
gov Associate Director - Dispute Resolution (Attorney 5) (2400000Z) Job Duties About Us: The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce is a diverse team of passionate, education-focused professionals responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of education for each of Ohio’s 1.
7 million students.
The Department provides the resources and supports essential to raising student achievement and accelerating learning opportunities, advancing the connectivity between K-12 and postsecondary learning, creating programs to support and expand workforce experiences, and ensuring students have the necessary supports to be ready each day to learn.
As the governing body responsible for overseeing and enhancing the quality of education within the State of Ohio, the Department of Education and Workforce is dedicated to promoting educational excellence and ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all students.
The Department is committed to collaborating with schools, districts, educators, students, families, businesses, nonprofits and all stakeholders to achieve our educational goals.
What You'll Do: Serves as an unclassified employee pursuant to Section 3301.
13.
O.
R.
C.
and performs the following educational and/or research duties: Serves as an Associate Director for the Office for Exceptional Children (OEC), overseeing the Dispute Resolution and Legal Counsel sections, and provides leadership for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Dispute Resolution process: Ensures implementation of Future Forward Ohio, Ohio's strategic priorities to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic; Manages the efficiency and effectiveness of the dispute resolution investigation/revocation process; Oversees the drafting and editing of dispute resolution documents, letters, and correspondence and ensures due process requirements have been met; Oversees all dispute resolution options which include, Early Resolution, Mediation, Facilitation, Complaints, and Due Process; Collaborates with personnel in other centers and divisions to integrate the planning and implementation of state education policies and programs; Supervises and mages the workflow of the educational program specialists, program administrators, and support staff that administer the various dispute processes; Coordinates the resolution of written and verbal disputes from district personnel, parents, advocates, attorneys, and government entities in order to sure timely responsiveness and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); Collaborates with other sections of the Office for Exceptional Children and other offices with DEW regarding compliance and monitoring, policies, and procedures and other issues related to services for students with disabilities.
Collaborates with the Director and Associate Director in formulating and recommending legislation and policy development pertaining to special education at the State and Federal level: Utilizes data to help inform policy decisions, Collaborates with other state agencies, parent, and professional organizations and associations to improve the results for children and youth with disabilities.
Collaborates with the Assistant Director for Dispute Resolution and the Department's Legal Counsel coordinating process and procedures regarding Dispute Resolution processes.
Assists in the leadership of an Effective Office through the supervision of assigned staff: Evaluates performance.
Approves/disapproves leave.
Assigns and reviews work.
Provides training and progressive discipline as necessary.
Represents the Office for Exceptional Children in relevant cross agency leadership and work functions.
Demonstrates commitment to building leadership capacity (as individual and for supervised staff).
Participates and organizes statewide meetings for administrators, teachers, and parents of children with disabilities; Conducts workshops and makes presentations.
Requires travels throughout the State of Ohio and may require overnight stay, (must be willing and able to secure a valid driver's license OR supply your own transportation).
What’s in it for you: At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans.
We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees.
For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes: Medical Coverage Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.
Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period.
Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.
Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave 11 paid holidays per year Childbirth/Adoption leave Employee Development Funds The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees.
The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement.
The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary.
Visit the OPERS website for more information.
Deferred Compensation The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan.
Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities.
The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.
01 of Revised Code.
18 mos.
exp.
as licensed attorney.
6 mos.
exp.
in supervisory principles/techniques.
Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Ohio Administrative Code (OAC 3301-51-01 through 3301-51-13.
Preferred Qualifications: Investigative experience Development/monitoring of projects and contracts Scheduling, supervision and management of personnel Experience managing contractors Development of tools and technical assistance related to dispute resolution Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills Systems thinker with creativity and strong problem-solving skills Job Skills: Attorney/Legal Knowledge in: (1*) Administration and Management; (2*) Agency Policies & Procedures; (3*) Government Structure & Process; (4) Law & Government (e.
g.
, Federal and State laws applicable to education, including but not limited to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3301-51-01 through 3301-51-13; ESEA); (5) Education and Training (e.
g.
, IDEA general supervision requirements); (6) Customer and Personal Service; (7) Analysis of documents and records; (8) Agency Policies and Procedures (e.
g.
, compliant procedures, due process, mediation, IDEA); (9) Supervision and Leadership.
Skill in:(10) Critical Thinking; (11) RFP Development and Project Oversite; (12) Monitoring; (13) Speaking; (14) Written Expression; (15) Persuasion; (16) Complex Problem Solving; (17) Systems Analysis and Data Reporting; (18) Management of Personnel Resources.
Ability to: (19) Oral Expression; (20) Problem Sensitivity; (21) Professional Coaching; (22) resolve complaints from angry citizens & government officials; (23) Collaboration; (24) Prepare reports.
*Developed after employment The Ohio Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that values diversity and seeks talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class.
Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Assistant Chief of Human Resources in the Office of Human Resources.
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities.
The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Background Check Information The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis).
Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check as well as other investigative reviews.
Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position, unless restricted under state or federal law or federal restrictions.
An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.