Civil Rights Unit Program Specialist

Position Title: Civil Rights Unit Program Specialist 

Classification: Program Analyst 1 

Salary: $4,519 – $6,904 ($4,833 - $7,386 PERS) 

Type: Permanent, Full-time, Non-Exempt 

Note: This position requires bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in the required language(s). 

We are seeking a Civil Rights Unit Program Specialist to join our Office of Relations, Management and Suppport (ORMS) at the Oregon Department of Education. This is a permanent position represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  
 

This position follows a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will be required when business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources. Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection and maintain a professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected to maintain the same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they would in the office. 

What you will do! 

The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate key programs within the Civil Rights Unit, including the Civil Rights Coordinator program, Every Student Belongs and work to support pregnant and parenting students, as well as monitoring corrective action agreements and working with the Civil Rights Unit manager and Civil Rights Specialists to coordinate and deliver services. 
 

Typical duties include: 

• Work with Civil Rights Specialists for Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 to develop and deliver virtual and in-person training programs in alignment with ORS 332.505 and associated OARs. Develop and maintain annual training calendar. Establish and monitor registration processes, including reviewing registrations to ensure participants meet criteria for admission.  

• Monitor compliance by school districts and other education providers. Utilize existing policies, procedures, and direction provided by the Department to implement corrective action relating to complaints alleging discrimination, retaliation, restraint and seclusion, religious entanglement, and violations of the Division 22 standards.  

• Collaborate with the Civil Rights Unit to ensure implementation of Every Student Belongs (ORS 339.347).  

• Respond to calls and emails from school districts, parents, students, and community members to share information about ODE’s civil rights programs. 

Please click here to view the full position description 

If you would like to retain a copy of this job post or the PD linked above, please print a copy before submitting your application.  Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting. 

Application Instructions: 

A cover letter and resume are required and are an important part of the application process. Only these materials are considered during the screening process;  

• A cover letter (no more than 2 pages), highlighting your skills and experience, and demonstrating how your qualifications align with the required and desired qualifications for this role. 

• A current resume detailing your relevant experience and education as it will be used in place of the detailed Workday work history for this agency-specific recruitment.   

Additional application materials (such as letters of recommendation or transcripts) will not be reviewed. Cover letters and resumes are reviewed throughout the recruitment process by Human Resources and the Hiring Manager. 

Minimum Qualifications (required) 

A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, or a degree related to the agency program that demonstrates the capacity for the knowledge and skills;  

OR 
 
Any combination of experience or education equivalent to three years technical-level experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification. 
 

Note: This position requires bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in the required language(s). 

Preferred Skills & Knowledge (Desired Attributes) 

• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills; experience managing multiple tasks and ongoing projects. 

• Building Relationships with Diverse Partners: Ability to establish effective relationships with culturally diverse education partners and community groups representing a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. 

• Civil Rights Knowledge or Experience: Knowledge of or experience working with federal and state education civil rights laws, such as Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ORS 659.850, or Every Student Belongs 

• Committee Coordination: Experience coordinating or supporting project-based committees. 

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of the attributes listed.    

Our Agency Mission and Office Culture:  

The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE’s) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling its mission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well–rounded, and equitable education system.  

The Government and Legal Affairs Team works across the agency and with outside parties to carry out the education mission and goals of the State Board of Education and the priorities of the Governor as the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The team includes three work units: Civil Rights, Complaint and Appeals Resolution, and Reports and Investigations of Sexual Conduct.In addition to the work of the three units, the team supports the Fair Dismissal Appeals Board (FDAB), works in collaboration with the GREAT team to support administrative rule making across the agency, and provides administrative hearings for Child Nutrition Programs, Pupil Transportation and the Fingerprinting Unit.  

The Civil Rights Unit works to support effective implementation of state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination in K-12 public education, including but not limited to:  

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;  

• Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972;  

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;  

• Title II of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act);  

• Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex and Handicap in Vocational Education,45 CFR Part 80, Appendix B  

• Every Student Belongs;  

• The CROWN Act; and  

• Abbreviated School Day Programs and Section 504.  

The unit provides leadership training, and technical assistance to education providers, develops and administers the Civil Rights Coordinator Program underORS 332.505(2)and OARs581-021-0650 through -0665, assists members of the school community, including students and families of students, who may have experienced discrimination in understanding, accessing, and navigating local (school or district), state, and federal dispute resolution processes to ensure that instances of discrimination are addressed appropriately and efficiently, and develops and administers the state’s Methods of Administration (MOA) Program pursuant to requirements of the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.  

The Complaints and Appeals Resolution Unit administers the agency's formal complaint resolution processes for discrimination in public education, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, religious entanglement, determinations of nonstandard status under ORS 343.328 (Abbreviated School Day Programs), and Division 22 standards.  

The Reports and Investigations of Sexual Conduct Unit investigates reports of suspected sexual conduct that involve a student and an individual who is a school employee, contractor, agent, or volunteer who is not licensed with the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). The team also provides verification information to education providers when they are hiring an individual as a school employee or bringing on a contractor, agent, or volunteer to provide services in schools. 

The Fair Dismissal Appeals Board (FDBA) hears appeals of teacher and administrator dismissals. The FDAB consists of 24 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. 
 
Oregon State provides amazing benefits! Follow the link below to learn more:  

Oregon Job Opportunities : Benefits : State of Oregon  

Application Resources & Information:  

• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard service members (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.  Be sure to submit your documentation prior to the close date of this posting to have the preference considered.  

• Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.  

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.  

• Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions on the application process or need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Please be sure to include the job requisition number.  

• Oregon Job Opportunities: How to Apply (Internal & External)  

• Understanding the State Application Process  

• Resources for Job Seekers  

Additional Information:  

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.  

• Review the Classification and Compensation page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following pay equity.  

• Future Vacancies: This recruitment announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.  

• Visa Sponsorship: The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time.  

The Department of Education is an equal employment opportunity & affirmative action employer committed to a diverse workforce. The Department strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.  We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet every one of our qualifications listed.   If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.   

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