Changes in Pennsylvania's Special Education Due Process Hearing System: Attorneys Needed

April 30th, 2008

Pennsylvania will move to a 1-tier due process system effective 7/1/08, which will replace the 2-tier system currently in place. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has decided to implement a model that will include five full time hearing officers. Three positions will be filled with licensed attorneys chosen by a panel that will interview and make recommendations to PDE. Below is the posting for these positions that includes requirements and steps to take for anyone desiring to be considered for an interview.

Job Posting

The Pennsylvania Department of Education is soliciting resumes of individuals interested in serving as full time, impartial due process hearing officers for the Office for Dispute Resolution. Bilingual and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. The requirements are:

Candidates must be currently licensed as attorneys in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with their primary residence being in Pennsylvania. Knowledge of special education and special education law is required. The candidate must possess knowledge of, and the ability to understand, the provisions of IDEA, federal and state regulations pertaining to IDEA, and legal interpretations of IDEA by state and federal courts. The candidate must also have knowledge of and the ability to understand Section 504/Chapter 15; Chapter 16; Chapter 711; Part C of IDEA; the laws and regulations pertaining to them, and legal interpretations of these laws and regulations. The candidate must possess the knowledge and ability to conduct hearings in accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice and must possess the knowledge