State of Massachusetts Looking for Problem Resolution Team Supervisor at Malden, Massachusetts Full Time

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 Problem Resolution System (PRS) Office ensures that students, families, school districts, and other community members have easy access to information regarding learners’ rights and educational options and to a forum for the resolution of disputes that are prompt, accurate and fair. The Problem Resolution Team Supervisor will ensure that complaints are resolved on a timely basis by tracking complaints through the system to monitor progress and ensure timeliness both in reaching findings determinations and reviewing and ensuring the implementation of Corrective Action Plans, leading to their closure. They will promote accurate findings by providing an additional level of review for accuracy, particularly with a focus on legal elements of the complaint. They will ensure that findings are consistent across liaisons and supervisors; are consistent with previous PRS findings and with any relevant BSEA decisions; and are consistent with other legal considerations such as federal or state guidance, law, regulation or relevant court decisions. The supervisor will be responsible for other administrative tasks as assigned by the Director and the direct supervision of the problem resolution team staff, primarily in the area of the review and approval of corrective action plans received from school districts. Responsibilities: Supervise Problem Resolution Systems (PRS) staff in the review and approval of CAP plans and other areas as needed; Research legal issues including BSEA cases, court decisions, federal and state guidance and requirements to ensure accurate and current information is being utilized by PRS in making its determinations; Manage cases through the PRS complaint management system; Provide review and feedback on individual cases; Work with other units to bring in expertise as needed; Ensure that PRS is operating in a manner consistent with current laws, regulations, advisories, and legal decisions; Ensure that PRS is issuing determinations that are consistent with current legal requirements and prior PRS decisions; Oversee and support the production of complaints within mandated timelines and consistent with PRS policies; Ensure that complaint findings are clear, accurate and consistent with current legal requirements; Assist in developing areas for staff skillset development in terms of writing, analysis knowledge or organization of complaint letters and findings; Investigate the provision of workshops and training activities to support staff in issue analysis, complaint investigation techniques and writing skills, particularly how to address legal concepts in findings letters with clarity and accuracy; Review individual letters as needed for clarity, accuracy, and conformity with legal standards; Maintain database of previous PRS decisions to facilitate consistency and accuracy in findings; Support the Director with other administrative tasks as assigned; Other duties, as assigned. Preferred Qualifications: Training or knowledge of education law, particularly special education, and preferably student discipline, bullying and other mandated areas; A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree is strongly preferred for this position; Advanced degree in Special Education; Demonstrated commitment to students, preferably those with disabilities in either a professional or volunteer capacity; Previous experience with dispute resolution involving public school districts, state educational authorities, federal agencies, advocates, attorneys, and parents; Experience in schools including as a teacher in a special education program or classroom; Experience working with school districts and/or state agencies; Excellent written and verbal skills, including experience writing and editing in a clear, concise manner; Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have a Master’s degree and at least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service; Based on assignment, candidates must possess at least one year of supervisory, program coordination or managerial experience; a Doctorate degree in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience; one year of education equals 30 semester hours; education towards 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. Executive Order : As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption. 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.

Date Posted: 23 January 2023

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