Intake Specialist

SUMMARY
The Intake Specialist serves as the primary point of entry for requests regarding Special Education Mediation Services (SEMS). This position provides impartial, neutral, and objective information regarding SEMS services, conducts intake interviews, coordinates referrals and service delivery, maintains accurate case records, and supports timely dispute resolution services in compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), Michigan Department of Education
(MDE) Office of Special Education (OSE) requirements, and SEMS policies and procedures.

This role:

• Reports to the Intake Coordinator/SEMS Program Supervisor.
• Works collaboratively with other SEMS staff.
• Provides information about mediation as a special education dispute resolution and the role of the mediator.
• Provides information about meeting facilitation services and the role of a facilitator.
• Serves as an initial contact for the SEMS program and conducts comprehensive intake interviews with parents, school personnel, and other parties to collect and document relevant case information.
• Coordinates service delivery with SEMS service partners (dispute resolution centers).
• Supports Outreach staff to increase awareness and promote understanding of SEMS services through impartial communication.
• Utilizes SEMS' database to record and coordinate all requests and service activities.
• Tracks issues to inform mediator and facilitator training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a neutral initial contact with parents and school personnel who have questions about SEMS services.
• Respond to inquiries regarding SEMS service options and explain processes, timelines, and expectations.
• Provide neutral information and resources regarding dispute resolution options under the IDEA and MARSE.
• Remain impartial. This position requires that SEMS staff refrain from providing guidance, input, advocacy, legal interpretation, suggested course of action, or advice of any kind.
• Maintain accurate case records and complete data entry within established timelines.
• Process intake requests and service referrals according to SEMS performance standards.
• Ensure timely coordination and communication with service partners and stakeholders.
• Promote SEMS to school personnel and parents through professional, timely, and attentive customer service.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of case information and comply with all applicable privacy requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other program-related duties as assigned.
• The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by such a person.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (education, social services, public administration, communications, legal studies, or similar).
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a role requiring intake, mediation, conflict resolution, facilitation, legal services, education, social services or direct communication with the public.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in special education programs or services.
• Experience working with diverse populations and stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to remain impartial, neutral, and objective, and to refrain from providence advice, advocacy, or legal interpretation.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with applicable privacy requirements.
• Strong active listening skills with the ability to gather, analyze, and accurately document information from multiple parties.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive conversations professionally and to remain calm when interacting with parties experiencing conflict or stress.
• Demonstrated ability to de-escalate conversations, build rapport with diverse stakeholders, and maintain professionalism in emotionally sensitive situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple cases and maintain accurate records in real time.
• Knowledge of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan
• Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).
• Proficiency with database systems, case management software, Microsoft Outlook,
• Teams, Word, Excel, and other Microsoft 365 applications.
• Ability to accurately enter, maintain, and retrieve data in electronic case management systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to receive, comprehend, accurately document, and electronically record information obtained during verbal conversations, including telephone and virtual meetings, and convert that information into complete, objective, and timely written case records consistent with program standards and confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to maintain concentration, organization, and accuracy while handling multiple cases, frequent interruptions, and competing priorities.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, headset, webcams, telephones, and other communication equipment for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to use videoconferencing technology, headsets, webcams, telephones, and other communication equipment for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to visually review information on computer screens for extended periods, including case records, emails, databases, reports, and electronic documents.
• Ability to enter, retrieve, review, and maintain information within electronic databases, case management systems, and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Ability to read and interpret written correspondence, policies, procedures, reports, and electronic records.
• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while performing computer-based work, with occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, or lifting.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand, wrist, and finger movements associated with keyboarding and data entry.
• Ability to transport and set up employer-provided equipment as necessary, including laptops, monitors, and related office equipment, typically weighing up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:

• Ability to establish and maintain a safe, secure, distraction-free remote work environment that supports confidentiality and uninterrupted communication.
• Reliable internet connectivity and ability to effectively utilize approved technology platforms.
• Ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot software applications.
• Ability to participate in virtual meetings, trainings, and other communications using audio and visual technology is required.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with team members and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, high call volumes, and rapidly changing priorities while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.
• Ability to accommodate occasional flexibility to support service coordination needs, training activities, or stakeholder communications.
• Occasional, or as-needed, in-person work, meetings, trainings, etc., at the SEMS program office may be required.
• Occasional local or statewide travel for training, meetings, conferences, or program- related activities may be required.
• SEMS reserves the right to modify remote work arrangements based on operational, programmatic, or business needs.

WORK LOCATION/TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Lansing, hybrid remote. Must live in the State
of Michigan

SUPERVISOR: I ntake Coordinator/SEMS Program Supervisor

SALARY: $69,500 - $73,750

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 5th, 2026

ANTICIPATED START DATE: December 14th, 2026


Special Education Mediation Services/Marquette-Alger RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. Special Education Mediation Services/Marquette-Alger RESA's Non-discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policy, as well as the grievance procedure for reporting concerns or complaints, are available at maresa.org/about-us/notice-of-nondiscrimination.