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.

The Department of Elementary Secondary Education is looking for an experienced individual to work as an Educational Specialist C on the Problem Resolution Team in the Everett Office.

The unit mission is: “PRS ensures that students, families, school districts and other community members have easy access to information regarding their children’s education rights and options and access to a forum for the resolution of their disputes that is prompt, accurate and fair.”

The Problem Resolution Team Specialists are responsible for implementing complaint management procedures through the Department's Problem Resolution System and providing technical assistance regarding interpretations of state and federal education requirements regarding both special education and general education program requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

Providing technical assistance and guidance to parents, advocates and school administrators via email and/or telephone on the implementation of regulatory requirements;

Oversee the implementation of Corrective Action Plans issued by the Department, which includes, but is not limited to, investigation case review, developing correspondence, reaching determinations on compliance with the CAP required in each case, and drafting formal notices such as letters of closure or Department ordered compensatory service plans; and

Review and analysis of allegations of non-compliance filed in regard to a public school district, developing correspondence and conducting investigations in order to make a compliance determination in each case, develop letters containing a summary of the issues, the Department’s findings, and explaining the rationale and basis for the determination.

Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

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, teamwork, stewardship, learner-centered, equity and racial equity).

Fluency in a second language in addition to English is highly preferred

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

Think in a highly objective and analytical manner to obtain and review information and reach objective and supportable conclusions consistent with legal and regulatory mandates;

Conducting district-based mediation sessions between parents and school administrators in an effort to resolve disputes prior to becoming formal complaints may become part of the Specialist’s duties as PRS continues to explore new approaches to problem resolution;

Communicate clearly, patiently and empathetically with members of the public and district administrators regarding their issues and concerns, and guide them to avenues of resolution including into the PRS system as appropriate;

Possess exceptionally clear writing skills at the highest level, including the ability to organize and synthesize complex and diverse materials into clear statements, summaries and findings;

Be flexible and willing to learn new material as the legal environment changes and evolves, including the need to adapt in response to changing work practices as may be needed to improve office operation;

Demonstrate skills in conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies including the ability to work effectively under pressure and stress. Professional experience, training or education in mediation, dispute resolution or conflict resolution is preferred; and

Work with a broad and diverse range of constituencies and a commitment to achieving cultural competence and implementing their duties in an unbiased and objective manner.

Travel is required for this position.

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.

The Department of Elementary Secondary Education is looking for an experienced individual to work as an Educational Specialist C on the Problem Resolution Team in the Everett Office.

The unit mission is: “PRS ensures that students, families, school districts and other community members have easy access to information regarding their children’s education rights and options and access to a forum for the resolution of their disputes that is prompt, accurate and fair.”

The Problem Resolution Team Specialists are responsible for implementing complaint management procedures through the Department's Problem Resolution System and providing technical assistance regarding interpretations of state and federal education requirements regarding both special education and general education program requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

Providing technical assistance and guidance to parents, advocates and school administrators via email and/or telephone on the implementation of regulatory requirements;

Oversee the implementation of Corrective Action Plans issued by the Department, which includes, but is not limited to, investigation case review, developing correspondence, reaching determinations on compliance with the CAP required in each case, and drafting formal notices such as letters of closure or Department ordered compensatory service plans; and

Review and analysis of allegations of non-compliance filed in regard to a public school district, developing correspondence and conducting investigations in order to make a compliance determination in each case, develop letters containing a summary of the issues, the Department’s findings, and explaining the rationale and basis for the determination.

Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

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, teamwork, stewardship, learner-centered, equity and racial equity).

Fluency in a second language in addition to English is highly preferred

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to:

Think in a highly objective and analytical manner to obtain and review information and reach objective and supportable conclusions consistent with legal and regulatory mandates;

Conducting district-based mediation sessions between parents and school administrators in an effort to resolve disputes prior to becoming formal complaints may become part of the Specialist’s duties as PRS continues to explore new approaches to problem resolution;

Communicate clearly, patiently and empathetically with members of the public and district administrators regarding their issues and concerns, and guide them to avenues of resolution including into the PRS system as appropriate;

Possess exceptionally clear writing skills at the highest level, including the ability to organize and synthesize complex and diverse materials into clear statements, summaries and findings;

Be flexible and willing to learn new material as the legal environment changes and evolves, including the need to adapt in response to changing work practices as may be needed to improve office operation;

Demonstrate skills in conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies including the ability to work effectively under pressure and stress. Professional experience, training or education in mediation, dispute resolution or conflict resolution is preferred; and

Work with a broad and diverse range of constituencies and a commitment to achieving cultural competence and implementing their duties in an unbiased and objective manner.

Travel is required for this position.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;

a Master’s degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.

Education toward a degree in a specific or related educational content area will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

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.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;

a Master’s degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.

Education toward a degree in a specific or related educational content area will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

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.