Problem Resolution Team Specialist (ESC)

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:

1. Review and analyze allegations of educational non-compliance involving public education entities, develop correspondence and conduct investigations to reach a determination in each case, draft letters containing a summary of the issues, the Department’s findings, and that explain the basis for the determination, consistent with applicable requirements.

2. Oversee LEA/public agency’s implementation of ordered corrective action related to a determination of non-compliance. Verify implementation of ordered corrective action and provide technical assistance, facilitate negotiations, issue order(s), issue additional corrective action(s), and/or take other actions necessary to ensure that the LEA/public agency has achieved compliance. Develop and issue correspondence that outlines the corrective action verification process.

3. Providing technical assistance and guidance to parents, advocates, and educators on education-related 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.

This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, that combines two in-office workdays and telecommuting up to three days per week.

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:

• Communicate clearly and empathetically with members of the public and educators regarding their concerns, and provide them with accurate technical assistance;
• Possess exceptional writing skills, including the ability to organize and synthesize complex and diverse materials into clear statements, analysis, and findings;
• Be flexible and adaptable as requirements, procedures, or practices, and priorities change and adapt;
• Demonstrate skills in conflict resolution and de-escalation, 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.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov. Please include a cover letter with your resume.

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.

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