Changes in Pennsylvania's Special Education Due Process Hearing System: Attorneys Needed
Changes in Pennsylvania's Special Education Due Process Hearing System: Attorneys Needed
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 and ability to render and write decisions in accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice. Successful candidates will operate out of home offices with administrative support from the Office for Dispute Resolution. Interviews will be by a panel in May 2008.
Candidates must be available to attend a week-long training at the end of June.
Candidates must be able to drive to various locations within the Commonwealth. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a current resume, two legal writing samples (preferably containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and discussion), and two references to:
Office for Dispute Resolution
ATTN: Cindy Judy, Legal Assistant
6340 Flank Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17112-2764
No telephone calls please. Job posting closes April 30. No resumes will be accepted after that time.