Job Location: This position will be located at 205 Jefferson St., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Why you’ll love this position:

Within the Division of Learning Services, the Office of Special Education administers state and federal funds to support services for students and adults with disabilities. This office also oversees the operation of three school systems administered by the State Board of Education. These are the Missouri School for the Blind, the Missouri School for the Deaf and the Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled. Through their outreach programs and consulting services, these school systems assist local school personnel and families throughout the state in meeting the needs of children with disabilities.

What you’ll do:

• Coordinate and provide legal counsel to the Office of Special Education, including its state board operated programs (Missouri Schools for Severely Disabled, Missouri School for the Blind, and Missouri School for the Deaf) in connection with the development and/or the implementation of special education law, regulation, policy; and for all state school-based legal matters associated with the Office of Special Education.
• Provide legal advice to the Office of Special Education regarding the interpretation and application of special education law, regulation, policy, and practices.
• Provide litigation support for the Office of Special Education and act as a liaison between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department) and the Office Attorney General.
• Assist in the development, writing and review of contracts, agreements, rulemaking, policies, and procedures for every section within the Office of Special Education, and for other Department offices as requested.
• Manage and coordinate Sunshine Law requests and other record requests for the Office of Special Education programs, including email and record searches, tracking, meeting deadlines, and providing counsel to program staff on providing responsive documents.
• Coordinate the investigations of complaints of noncompliance of local school districts and state agencies pursuant to Part B and Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
• Serve as liaison to the Administrative Hearing Commission for due process special education hearings on behalf of the department.
• Assist in the research, writing, editing, and coordination of the administrative rule process for the Office of Special Education, and other areas of the Department.

All you need for success:

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA approved law school.
• Member of the Missouri Bar in good standing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in education law and/or administrative law preferred.

More reasons to love this position:

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position please contact: hr@dese.mo.gov

Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you have special needs addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Human Resources at (573) 751-9619, through Missouri Relay System at (800) 735-2966, or via email at hr@dese.mo.gov.
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to Department employment practices may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Human Resources Director, 8th floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0480; telephone number 573-751-9619 or TYY 800-735-2966.
To Our Applicants with Disabilities: For assistance with any phase of the Department process, please notify the Director of Human Resources at (573) 751-9619. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate special needs. TTY/TDD Relay Missouri service (800) 735-2966.
Notice to Applicants: The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is unable to sponsor applicants in their application for work visas through INS. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.