Special Education Complaints Investigator (Education Specialist IV)

Agency Information

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

Core Values

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

Job Description

Position Overview

The Special Education Complaints Investigator works within the Special Education Complaints Unit, which investigates complaints against public education agencies in the state to determine compliance with special education requirements. This unit is part of the Special Populations Policy and Compliance division.

As a technical expert in special education, the Special Complaints Investigator performs highly advanced (senior-level) investigative work with minimal supervision, exercising extensive initiative and independent judgment. They manage multiple investigations simultaneously, including those impacting groups of students or systemic issues.

The investigator employs effective techniques to evaluate public education agencies' special education programs, develops corrective actions for agencies found noncompliant with special education requirements, and ensures these actions are implemented.

Additionally, the investigator facilitates communication between public agencies and complainants to resolve special education disputes and provides targeted technical assistance to public agencies regarding special education requirements. They also create and deliver presentations on special education and dispute resolution to educators, parents, the public, and TEA staff.

This role involves 5% travel and reports to the Special Education Complaints Manager. Business needs may shift the role and essential job functions for this education specialist position. The individual serving in this position is expected to adapt to shifting business priorities as long as any revised duties are within the same job classification title.

Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Please note that a resume and cover letter are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check.

Essential Functions

Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.

1. Product Development: Performs advanced investigative work to determine compliance with special education statutory and regulatory requirements and produces work products that are error free and legally defensible

2. Quality Control and Feedback: Conducts quality assurance reviews and evaluations of notices, investigative reports, and related materials to ensure compliance with state and federal statues, rules, and regulations

3. Communication and Data Analysis: Develops, collects, organizes, analyzes, and synthesis materials to complete complaint reviews, external communication, and investigation reports

4. Technical Assistance Support: Provides focused technical assistance to educators, parents, members of the public, and TEA staff members related to special education or dispute resolution

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

Experience: At least four (4) years of experience in determining and/or correcting noncompliance associated with special education programs

Substitutions: Education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

Other Qualifications

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military
• Experience in conducting investigations is preferred
• Experience in the administration of special education programs is preferred
• Extensive knowledge of state and federal special education statutes, rules, and regulations
• Highly skilled in technical or legal writing
• Highly skilled at analyzing and synthesizing large volumes of information in a limited amount of time
• Highly skilled in organization and time management
• Highly skilled at effectively communicating with a wide variety of audiences both orally and in writing
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and positive in a team-oriented environment
• Highly receptive to giving and receiving positive feedback on his/her and others work products

New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

Benefits

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page .

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.

TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page .

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [email protected] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.

How to Apply

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• Once your account is created, complete and submit the online application.