Complaint & Appeals Specialist (Compliance Specialist 3)

Initial Posting Date:
12/13/2024

Application Deadline:
/

Agency:
Oregon Department of Education

Salary Range:
$5,483 - $8,416 ($5,861 - $8,999 PERS)

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Complaint & Appeals Specialist (Compliance Specialist 3)

Job Description:

This posting will remain open until filled. Application review will begin December 27, 2024. We can not guarantee that applications received after this date will be considered. We encourage interested applicants not to delay application.

Position Title: Complaint & Appeals Specialist

Classification: Compliance Specialist 3

Salary: $5,483 - $8,416 ($5,861 - $8,999 PERS)

We are seeking multiple Complaint & Appeals Specialists to join our Government and Legal Affairs team at the Oregon Department of Education. These are permanent positions represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

These positions are a hybrid of remote work and will need to report to the office when business or operational needs are dependent on onsite activities. Remote work is embraced to the fullest extent possible without interfering with business.

Note: Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the compensation plan for this position will be adjusted to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 6.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA

About Us:

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.

This position is located in the Complaint and Appeal Resolution Unit, which is part of the Government and Legal Affairs team, in the Office of the Director.

The Government and Legal Affairs Team works across the agency and with outside parties to carry out the education mission and goals of the State Board of Education and the priorities of the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The team includes three work units: Civil Rights, Complaint and Appeals Resolution, and Reports and Investigations of Sexual Conduct.

The Complaints and Appeals Resolution Unit administers the agency's formal complaint resolution processes for discrimination in public education, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, religious entanglement, determinations of nonstandard status under ORS 343.328 (Abbreviated School Day Programs), and Division 22 standards.

Click this link to learn more about the unit

What you will do!

ODE's Complaint and Appeals Specialists are responsible for handling complaints and appeals filed with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) related to discrimination, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, religious entanglement, abbreviated school day programs under ORS 343.328, and Division 22 Standards. The role ensures that these complaints are managed effectively and in alignment with state and federal laws.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complaint Assessment: Determine whether a complaint or appeal falls within ODE's jurisdiction.
• Investigation Oversight: Define the scope of investigations, oversee their progress, and ensure compliance with procedural standards.
• Fact-Finding: Identify relevant facts and credible evidence.
• Legal Analysis: Identify legal issues, and violations of state and federal civil rights laws.
• Draft Orders: Write determination, including findings of fact, an explanation of the applicable legal authority, an application of the legal authority to the facts, and a final determination as to compliance.
• Corrective Action Design: Develop tailored corrective actions to address identified deficiencies.
• Order Defense: Collaborate with the Department of Justice to defend agency decisions during judicial reviews.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Civil Rights Unit to ensure consistent interpretation and application of civil rights laws across ODE programs.

Click this link to view the full position description

Minimum Qualifications (Need to Have):

Five years experience doing administrative research that included compiling and evaluating facts to recommend management action, or decide compliance or eligibility with program guidelines and regulations. Three of the five years must be above the technical support level.

College-level course work may substitute for experience on the basis of 45-quarter units per year, up to a maximum of three years.

Desired Attributes (Nice to Have):

• Proven ability to produce clear, concise, and well-structured written materials.
• Demonstrated expertise in drafting legal memoranda, briefs, opinions, or final orders.
• Strong understanding of federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination.
• Familiarity with systems such as public school district complaint processes, the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights complaint processes, or other discrimination resolution frameworks.
• Experience in working effectively with diverse partners and community groups, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain attention to detail throughout the complaint and appeals process.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree preferred but not required.

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.

Why us?

At ODE, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative atmosphere. Autonomy is supported while also being offered opportunities to work in dedicated teams or partnerships across the agency. Our office supports a healthy work/life balance and shows genuine care for team members, students, partners, and school leaders. Our team members share and educate with passion for equitable practices and sustainable development for leaders across Oregon. We maintain a constant learning and growing mentality to strive for optimum innovation and consistently applied equity practices.

Our amazing benefits include:

• Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with very low monthly out-of-pocket cost
• Paid days off -
  
  • 11 paid holidays per year
  • 3 additional paid "Personal Business Days" per year
  • 8 hours of sick leave accumulated every month
  • Progressive vacation leave accrual with increases every 5 years
• In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care expenses.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program: if you have federal student loan debt or are thinking of going back to school, then you will want to look into this program. If you make 120 qualifying payments on your student loan while working full time for a qualifying employer, your student loan debt may be forgiven.
• If you currently work at an Oregon school district or education service district, we may be able to transfer in your sick leave balance!

If you have a desire to make a difference in the lives of Oregonians, apply today!

To apply:

Your cover letter and resume are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position.

• Upload a resume and cover letter.
• In your cover letter, please include your qualifications relating to any of the desired attributes mentioned for this position (limit to no more than 2 pages). Your resume and cover letter may be uploaded in the Resume/Cover Letter field on the online application. Failure to attach a cover letter and resume may result in the disqualification of your application.
• In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes and minimum qualifications listed under the "What we are looking for" section above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure the attributes and minimum qualifications you possess are clearly demonstrated in your resume and cover letter.
• Important: Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application.
• External Applicants: Click on the "Apply" button and submit your resume and cover letter. Please make sure to attach all required documents in the section titled Resume/Cover Letter.
• Internal Applicants: (this includes Current State of Oregon employees): Apply via your employee Workday account.

Would you like to learn more about this position or how our application process works? Join our Recruitment team during our ODE Career Chat Sessions. We can assist you with all your application and agency questions!

1st Thursday of the month - 11 am to 11:45 am (PST)

Join ZoomGov Meeting

Additional Information:

• Salary Range: The range listed is the Non-PERS salary range. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS.
• 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.
• Communication: Please monitor your Workday account, as communication will be sent to your Workday account. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.
• 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.
• External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting.
• Background Check: This position requires successfully passing a criminal record check, which may require a fingerprint-based records check and/or credit history check, as a condition of employment.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact us at [redacted]. Please be sure to include the job requisition number.
• Veterans: Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. You may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at [redacted].
• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Department of Education is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Helpful links and contact information:

• Learn more about ODE
• Understanding the State Application Process
• Resources for Job Seekers
• Get There - Oregon's easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Live, work, and play in Salem, Oregon.

The Department of Education is an equal 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. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Come for a job | Stay for a career | Make a difference...for a lifetime!