The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
Please note that pursuant to Massachusetts general law, contracted employees are not paid for the eleven scheduled holidays, do not receive any paid, vacation, personal leave benefits, or contribute to the state retirement system or social security. As a state contracted employee, you must participate in direct deposit and contribute towards the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state alternate retirement plan, ("OBRA Plan").
PRS serves as the Department’s State Complaint System and addresses complaints from the public about students' educational rights and the legal requirements for education, including both special education and general education matters. The contracted employee’s duties will include investigating complaints filed with PRS and providing technical assistance regarding state and federal education requirements to members of the public.
The primary duties of Problem Resolution Team Specialists are:
1. Complaint Investigation: Review complaint intakes to determine if the intake meets the required criteria and jurisdiction of PRS, conducts thorough and complete investigations into each allegation(s) raised within the complaint, accurately analyzes information to determine the LEA/public entity’s compliance with each issue raised in the complaint, develops written determinations that are clearly written, factually accurate, and contain legally correct analysis and finding on each issue raised in the complaint.
2. Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance and guidance to parents, advocates and school administrators on the implementation of regulatory requirements
Supplemental duties may include:
3. Corrective Action: Oversee the implementation of Department ordered corrective action(s) and verify complete implementation consistent with federal requirements, as assigned. Develop correspondences, including Department Orders and Letters of Closure, that are formatted consistent with current requirements and Department/PRS practices.
4. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualified Candidates will possess professional experience including public and/or private
school teaching and/or administrative experience, preferably in special education or relevant
legal training or experience.
The successful candidate will possess:
• Self-Reflection – ability to practice self-reflection and self-correction to solve
problems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication skills – ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Cultural competence – ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students, families, school districts and other community members through awareness of one’s own cultural identity and views about difference
• Commitment to team mission and core values – ability to proactively support and uphold the team mission and core values (including acting with purpose, continuous improvement, collaborative teamwork, stewardship, learner-centered, equity and racial equity)
• Fluency in a second language in addition to English is highly preferred
The agency is currently working under a hybrid schedule requiring 2 in office days weekly.
The ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth is required
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.
The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
Please note that pursuant to Massachusetts general law, contracted employees are not paid for the eleven scheduled holidays, do not receive any paid, vacation, personal leave benefits, or contribute to the state retirement system or social security. As a state contracted employee, you must participate in direct deposit and contribute towards the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state alternate retirement plan, ("OBRA Plan").
PRS serves as the Department’s State Complaint System and addresses complaints from the public about students' educational rights and the legal requirements for education, including both special education and general education matters. The contracted employee’s duties will include investigating complaints filed with PRS and providing technical assistance regarding state and federal education requirements to members of the public.
The primary duties of Problem Resolution Team Specialists are:
1. Complaint Investigation: Review complaint intakes to determine if the intake meets the required criteria and jurisdiction of PRS, conducts thorough and complete investigations into each allegation(s) raised within the complaint, accurately analyzes information to determine the LEA/public entity’s compliance with each issue raised in the complaint, develops written determinations that are clearly written, factually accurate, and contain legally correct analysis and finding on each issue raised in the complaint.
2. Technical Assistance: Provide technical assistance and guidance to parents, advocates and school administrators on the implementation of regulatory requirements
Supplemental duties may include:
3. Corrective Action: Oversee the implementation of Department ordered corrective action(s) and verify complete implementation consistent with federal requirements, as assigned. Develop correspondences, including Department Orders and Letters of Closure, that are formatted consistent with current requirements and Department/PRS practices.
4. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualified Candidates will possess professional experience including public and/or private
school teaching and/or administrative experience, preferably in special education or relevant
legal training or experience.
The successful candidate will possess:
• Self-Reflection – ability to practice self-reflection and self-correction to solve
problems.
• Strong interpersonal, communication skills – ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Cultural competence – ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students, families, school districts and other community members through awareness of one’s own cultural identity and views about difference
• Commitment to team mission and core values – ability to proactively support and uphold the team mission and core values (including acting with purpose, continuous improvement, collaborative teamwork, stewardship, learner-centered, equity and racial equity)
• Fluency in a second language in addition to English is highly preferred
The agency is currently working under a hybrid schedule requiring 2 in office days weekly.
The ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth is required
Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.