Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and special education processes, including individualized education programs, evaluations, eligibility, discipline, and transition.
Strong analytical and organizational skills.
Strong operational, project, and time management skills.
Ability to multitask, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively to complete complex processes with a team.
Ability to present technical and complex information effectively to varied audiences.
Proficiency in developing detailed and accurate written materials.
Ability to establish and maintain professional interactions and communications with Office of Public Instruction staff, parents, school district staff, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders.
A bachelor's degree.
At least two years of experience in special education or related work. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants must reside in Montana.
Responsibilities
Provide guidance and resources to parents regarding non-legal special education matters.
Support the Early Assistance Program by focusing on parents' needs in understanding the special education process and becoming equal partners in their child's education.
Guide parents in understanding and navigating special education and school district processes and procedures.
Use personal initiative and judgment to resolve most problems and situations.
Desired Qualifications
Familiarity with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Administrative Rules of Montana related to special education.
Experience with special education transitions from Part C to Part B and to post-secondary education.
Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners.
Benefits of working for OPI\:
·Work/life balance
·Family friendly
·Dedicated and caring colleagues
·Health coverage
·Retirement plans
·Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
·Opportunities and room for professional growth
·Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.
Job Overview\:This position reports to the Associate Director of Special Education but must use personal initiative and judgment to resolve most problems and situations. This position will work with OPI’s Early Assistance Program supporting low level dispute resolution by focusing on the needs of parents in understanding the special education process and becoming equal partners in their child’s education. The role of the Special Education Parent Liaison is to provide guidance and resources to parents in non-legal special education matters. The parent liaison will help guide a parent attempting to understand and navigate various special education or school district processes and procedures.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors)\:
·Knowledge of IDEA and special education processes (e.g., IEPs, evaluations, eligibility, discipline, transition);
·Strong analytical and organizational skills;
·Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
·Analyzes, interprets and summarizes information accurately and clearly
·Strong operational, project, and time management skills;
·Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines while demonstrating accuracy, attention to detail, perseverance;
·Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality;
·Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines;
·Ability to work collaboratively to complete with a team to complex processes;
·Ability to effectively present technical and complex information to various audiences;
·Proficiency in developing written materials with detail and accuracy;
·Treating co-workers, supervisor and others with respect;
·Respectfully works as a team member effectively, resolving conflicts effectively, seeking improvement in oneself and profession, and accepting changes as expectations, duties, and work directions evolve; and
·Effectively establish and maintain professional interactions and communications with OPI staff, parents, school district staff, state and federal agencies and other stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)\:
·Bachelor’s degree.
·Minimum of two (2) years of experience in special education, or related work.
·Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Preferred Qualifications\:
·Bachelor’s degree in special education.
·Familiarity with IDEA and Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) related to special education.
·Experience with special education transitions – Part C to B and post-secondary.
Does this sound like you?
Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.
OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
This position is in the TRS retirement system.
The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.
State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.
State of Montana is the state government responsible for public administration and services across Montana. State agencies deliver healthcare, transportation, natural resources, public safety, regulation, education support, taxation, and other public programs. It serves residents, businesses, local governments, visitors, communities, and public institutions throughout Montana. Its operating model centers on departments and agencies operating under elected leadership, public law, budgets, civil-service systems, and statewide infrastructure. Teams work across public administration, healthcare, engineering, technology, finance, regulation, public safety, and community services. Teams support coordinated daily delivery.