Massachusetts Veterans Jobs

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 in regard to both special education and general education program requirements. * The primary duties of Problem Resolution Team Specialists are: * * 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, and * Providing technical assistance and guidance to parents, advocates and school administrators on the implementation of regulatory requirements. * Supplemental duties include: * Reviewing and approving waivers of regulatory requirements submitted by public school districts and collaborative programs; reviewing incident reports and restraint injury reports submitted by public funds recipients, reviewing public day school applications to establish programs, and responding to McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act residence disputes, and * Performing other duties as required * The ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth is required.* * Preferred Qualifications* * Training or knowledge of education law, particularly special education, and preferably student discipline, bullying and other mandated areas * 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 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 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 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. Questions regarding this position or the application process should be referred to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov. Please include a resume and cover letter with your submission. 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. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. *Job: Education *Organization: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education *Title: *Problem Resolution Team Specialist (ESC) Location: Massachusetts-Everett- 135 Santilli Highway Requisition ID: 240008KH