GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Office of the Attorney General

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                           

 

Attorney-Advisor

Office of the General Counsel 

State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)

 

The Office of the Attorney General of the District of Columbia is seeking a creative and energetic Attorney-Advisor to assist the Office of the General Counsel for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) with Special Education Reform at the state level, one of three critical action areas identified by the State Superintendent.  The successful candidate for this position will have an exciting opportunity at a critical time to provide legal support to the OSSE’s Office of Special Education.  The OSE is charged with creating and supporting interventions that allow students with disabilities to receive an excellent education and life-skills training to become well-educated, independent and productive members of the community.    The successful candidate will work on policies and procedures supporting the new Special Education Data System (SEDS); the state complaint process; new guidance, policies and procedures regarding compliance by public charter schools; the newly established Due Process Complaint Student Hearing Office as well as reforms in the non-public tuition unit and the consolidation of Part C services for infants and toddlers with Part B services for older students.  These functions, among others, were created as part of the OSSE’s new State Education Agency (SEA) responsibilities.

  

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education is responsible for setting high expectations, providing resources and support to local education agencies and exercising accountability to ensure that all District residents receive an excellent education for success in the 21st century.  On June 12, 2007, the District of Columbia Public Education Reform Amendment Act of 2007 was signed into law, giving the OSSE authority over all SEA responsibilities formerly belonging to the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), the University of the District of Columbia (UDC), and the Department of Human Services (DHS).  As part of its new functions, the OSSE is responsible for representing the District of Columbia in all matters before the United States Department of Education, including the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. In addition, the OSSE is responsible for grant-making, oversight, and assuring that SEA functions for standards, assessments, and federal accountability requirements for elementary and secondary education.  The successful candidate will advise the OSSE’s Office of Special Education as it administers, manages and monitors all federal special education grants and reforms local education funding for special education services.

 

The successful candidate will assist the General Counsel in providing legal and litigation support to ensure that students with special needs in the District of Columbia are served well.    The successful candidate will provide support to the OSSE’s Office of Special Education and Due Process Complaint Student Hearing Office.  In addition, the successful candidate will assist the OSSE in establishing updated rules, policies, procedures, and relevant forms to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA).  The successful candidate will also be the point person for the OSSE on special education related class action lawsuits, including Blackman-Jones (timeliness of issuance of hearing officer decisions and implementation of hearing officer decisions) and Petties (timely payment of non-public tuition and provision of transportation services).  

 

The successful candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills, be accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment and possess a strong interest in education law and a desire to represent and effectuate positive change in the District of Columbia’s public education system and how it serves students with special needs.  Knowledge in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA), and the District of Columbia Public Education Reform Act of 2007 is preferred as is the ability and experience to working with teams.  Candidates who are highly motivated to become proficient in these areas will also be considered.

 

This position is in the Collective Bargaining Unit.  Candidates for the position may be subject to a background check. 

 

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a resume, writing sample, most recent performance evaluation, and statement of interest summarizing why you are interested and the skills and abilities you possess that will enable you to succeed in this position.  Applications should be mailed to Kim McDaniel, Director of EEO, Recruitment and Hiring, Office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia, 441 4th Street, N.W., Suite 1060 North, Washington, D.C. 20001.  Open until filled.    Screening of applications will begin on September 26th. 

 

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

 

In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code § 2-1401.01 et seq., the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived:  race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business.  Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act.  In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the act.  Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.