Complaint Investigator

This is a reposting. If you previously submitted an application for this position, you do not need to reapply.
Under general supervision of the Associate Director of the Office of Dispute Resolution and the Education Administrator I of the Dispute Resolution Investigation Unit I of the Special Education Division, the Education Programs Consultant investigates complaints of potential special education violations. As part of the investigative process the consultant works collaboratively with colleagues from each of Dispute Resolution units to open complaints and provide technical assistance to colleagues and interest holders throughout California. The consultant also works with other division staff responsible for monitoring compliance. Travel may be required.


Reviews and analyzes complaint letters and requests and determines allegations of alleged violations of federal and state special education laws and regulations. As part of the investigation process reviews and analyzes evidence; contacts both complainant and local educational agency (LEA) staff; develops "request for information;" and completes an investigation report following required standard language and procedures which includes specific statements, findings of fact conclusions and corrective actions specific to each allegation within the required timelines.


Daily conducts second readings (reviews, analyzes, and edits) of colleagues' investigation reports and provides feedback using second reading checklist within the required timelines.


Writes, reviews, and edits documents and electronic files, including reports and correspondence related to complaints; research, reviews, and analyzes relevant materials; and prepares written response and other inquiries by parents, advocates, LEA staff, and others. Reviews and analyzes reconsideration requests as necessary and writes response letters to requesters.


Research current educational issues pertaining to special education requirements/laws, stays current on educational trends and relevant changes related to special education and related services throughout California and the nation.


Bilingual, Spanish language with spoken and written fluency, preferred, with ability to pass Spanish language certification testing.

Personal Leave Program 2025

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary range(s) shown on this job posting does not reflect the salary reduction.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions


TELEWORK OPTION

HYBRID

This position is headquartered in Sacramento and may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule for eligible applicants residing in California. A hybrid telework schedule includes working remotely and physically reporting to the office.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• EDUCATION PROGRAMS CONSULTANT
• EDUCATION PROGRAMS ASSISTANT

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-514435


Position #(s):
174-663-2656-073

Working Title:
Complaint Investigator


Classification:
EDUCATION PROGRAMS CONSULTANT $8,237.00 - $10,310.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


Shall Consider:
EDUCATION PROGRAMS ASSISTANT
$5,912.00 - $7,396.00 A
$7,138.00 - $8,934.00 B


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Facility:
Special Education Division


Department Information
The California Department of Education (CDE) oversees the state's diverse and dynamic public school system, which is responsible for the education of more than six million children and young adults in more than 10,000 schools with 295,000 teachers. The CDE and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction are responsible for enforcing education law and regulations; and for continuing to reform and improve public elementary school programs, secondary school programs, adult education, some preschool programs, and child care programs. The CDE's mission is to provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The CDE serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners, preparing students to live, work, and thrive in a highly connected world.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) fluency in the Spanish language. If the State of California does not have a current record documenting your fluency in this language, you will be required to successfully pass an approved language fluency test prior to being hired.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/6/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Education
Human Resources Division-Mail In
Attn: C&P PC 5125 / JC 514435
1430 N Street, Ste. 1802


Sacramento , CA 95814


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Education
Department of Education Drop-Off
C&P PC 5125 JC 514435
1430 N Street (Lobby Drop-Off Box)


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  Interested individuals MUST submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with their application. Resumes, letters, and other materials do not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ should have a title of "Statement of Qualifications, Your Name ," be no more than 2 pages, no smaller than 12-point font, and address the following:
  • Please describe your qualifications and experience related to the Education Programs Consultant/Assistant position in the Dispute Resolution Investigation Unit I.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Ability to work independently & as a team member
• Knowledge of state and federal education laws, statutes, rules, policies, and procedures pertaining to special education; work experience with LEAs, school districts, & parents
• Strong analytical, organizational, & problem-solving skills, skills
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and the ability to exercise tact, resourcefulness, and good judgement with all interest holders
• Ability to multi-task, exercise initiative, independence, research and evaluate complex issues and data, determine outcomes, present findings to support recommendations
• Strong effective written and oral communication
• Ability to handle unwelcome communications
• Ability to remain focused and unbiased while reading technical documents; and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits
The State of California provides comprehensive benefits packages determined by the employee's bargaining unit. Some of these benefits include:

• Medical benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance


• Paid holidays: 11 paid State holidays, 1 personal paid holiday, and 2 professional development days


• 401(k) and 457(b) Plans (Savings Plus)


• Employee Assistance Program


• Commute Program


More benefit information can be found on CalHR's website: Benefits Summary


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Munita Prasad
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Randi Thompson, EEO Officer
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Important Application Instructions

• How to Apply for state jobs:
• Electronic applications submitted through your CalCareer account are highly recommended.
• DO NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, age, student identification number, driver license (unless required), examination results, LEAP status, and marital status.
• Incomplete or late application packages will NOT be considered.
• For experience to be considered, your STD 678 (state application) must be complete and include dates, accurate hours per week, total time worked, duties and responsibilities, and contact names and phone numbers of supervisors. Applications that are submitted blank or with "see resume" in place of duties performed will be considered incomplete.
• For civil service classifications, do not use working titles.
• If you choose not to submit electronically and are mailing or dropping off your hard copy State Application (STD. 678), use the revised 06/2024 version.
• If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. List of approved agencies: Foreign Transcript Evaluation (CL-635)
• Please note that the CalCareer system will not allow you to make changes to your application once it is submitted.
• Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview but must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
• For general information about getting a job with the state, please view the job series videos here: Work4CA:How to Get a State Job Series .

Examination Information


To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification.

The examination bulletin(s) may be viewed on the California Department of Education Web page at: Examinations Bulletins - Exams & Jobs (CDE Intranet) or at the link below:

Education Programs Consultant:


Education Programs Assistant:

Please note : A separate application is required for the examination and must be submitted to the address on the examination bulletin.


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.