Special Education Parent Liaison (03013)

This first review of applications will be July 30, 2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

• Resume- Please include dates of employment and your supervisor's name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description, please email opi.careers@mt.gov

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI's purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000 students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400 school districts, 16,000 educational professionals, and 3,000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

• Work/life balance
• Family friendly
• Dedicated and caring colleagues
• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview:This position reports to the Associate Director of Special Education but must use personal initiative and judgment to resolve most problems and situations. This position will work with OPI's Early Assistance Program supporting low level dispute resolution by focusing on the needs of parents in understanding the special education process and becoming equal partners in their child's education. The role of the Special Education Parent Liaison is to provide guidance and resources to parents in non-legal special education matters. The parent liaison will help guide a parent attempting to understand and navigate various special education or school district processes and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors):

• Knowledge of IDEA and special education processes (e.g., IEPs, evaluations, eligibility, discipline, transition);
• Strong analytical and organizational skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Analyzes, interprets and summarizes information accurately and clearly
• Strong operational, project, and time management skills;
• Ability to multi-task, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines while demonstrating accuracy, attention to detail, perseverance;
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines;
• Ability to work collaboratively to complete with a team to complex processes;
• Ability to effectively present technical and complex information to various audiences;
• Proficiency in developing written materials with detail and accuracy;
• Treating co-workers, supervisor and others with respect;
• Respectfully works as a team member effectively, resolving conflicts effectively, seeking improvement in oneself and profession, and accepting changes as expectations, duties, and work directions evolve; and
• Effectively establish and maintain professional interactions and communications with OPI staff, parents, school district staff, state and federal agencies and other stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in special education, or related work.
• Other combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in special education.
• Familiarity with IDEA and Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) related to special education.
• Experience with special education transitions- Part C to B and post-secondary.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the "relevant document" box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.