Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

ESS Complaint Investigator

Job Location:

Address:  Exceptional Student Services/Dispute Resolution Unit
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Posting Details:

Salary: $66,000 - $71,500 

Grade: 21

Closing Date: 03/19/26

Job Summary:

• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that the state education agency (SEA) have a state complaint system in place as part of the SEA's federally mandated general supervision requirement. The IDEA requires that a written report of the comprehensive investigation of alleged procedural violations of IDEA be completed, and any corrective action that results from the investigation be issued within 60 calendar days of the determination of sufficiency.
• The complaint investigator is vital in ensuring that a comprehensive investigation is conducted and a written report is issued within the federally mandated 60-day timeline.
• The complaint investigator conducts interviews (in person and/or by telephone), gathers and analyzes relevant factual documentation, determines compliance with federal and state special education requirements, prepares letters of findings, and develops comprehensive corrective action plans.
• Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Job Duties:

• Investigate formal state administrative complaints filed against public education agencies (PEAs) by parents, professionals, groups, and other community members throughout the state alleging noncompliance with federal and/or state special education requirements.
• As part of the investigation of formal state administrative complaints, draft letters of finding outlining the facts, relevant federal and state law, and findings of compliance or noncompliance. Develop comprehensive corrective action plan if noncompliance is determined.
• Answer questions from public and PEAs, parents, and the general public concerning federal and state special education requirements.
• Read newsletters, journals, books, regulations, attorney general opinions, and laws relating to special education.
• Participate in regional conference calls in order to keep up-to-date on professional information and issues.
• Attend staff meetings as necessary.
• Participate in various department task teams, special projects, and in-service training as necessary to carry out the job.
• Other duties as assigned related to the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:
• Current federal and state laws governing educational service delivery for students with disabilities
• Methods and procedures in the area of special education
• PEAs responsibilities to provide educational services to students with disabilities
• Current case law concerning individuals with disabilities
• Administrative structures and services provided by PEAs and state agencies working with individuals with disabilities
• A bachelor’s degree in special education or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree is required

Skills in:
• Write, communicate, and interview effectively
• Consult and advise professional educators, parents, and other members of the community
• Clarify and prioritize issues of concern relating to special education
• Make public presentations
• Conduct effective research
• Conduct complaint investigations
• Intermediate to advanced skills in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Ability to:
• Analyze situations and take effective action
• Act cooperatively with school officials (superintendents, directors of special education, principals, school psychologists, etc.) as well as parents and civic organizations

Selective Preference(s):

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
• Successful completion of a prescribed educational course of study in special education from an accredited university or college
• Prior experience in programs designed to deliver services and/or special education to students with disabilities
• Independent reading