Special Education 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.

This position follows a hybrid model of three (3) assigned in-office days per week. The primary work location is Everett.

The Educational Specialist C engages in statewide special education activities and priorities focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Activities include but are not limited to statewide data collection, analysis, and reporting; grant reviews and fiscal monitoring; development and provision of technical assistance; and proposing, planning, delivering, and procuring high-quality professional development. Responsibilities may also include special projects related to assessment, eligibility determination, Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, creating and sustaining inclusive schools, early childhood and secondary transition, literacy, family engagement, compliance, student outcomes, diverse student populations, disproportionality, discipline, social-emotional learning, educator preparation, strategic use of resources, and related topics; and intra/interagency collaboration related to students with disabilities.

The Education Specialist C supports SEPP management and the State Director of Special Education in the implementation of federal IDEA and related state special education requirements including creating and sustaining aligned, coherent systems of general supervision.

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

Maintaining knowledge of federal and Massachusetts state special education laws and regulations and current trends and issues in the field of special education and specific disabilities;

Contributing to strategic priorities and the development of related resources to promote a data-driven inquiry process from referral to special education to implementation of individual education programs (IEP) pursuant to federal and state requirements;

Serving as a customer service liaison to provide technical assistance, guidance, feedback, and information to customers/stakeholders including but not limited to SEPP staff, agency staff, district staff, contractors, vendors, families, and other interested parties related to special education policy, laws, regulation, and evidence-based best practices.

Utilizing data to inform the development of written technical assistance, administrative advisories, guidance, professional development programs, and other continuous improvement initiatives at the state and local levels;

Drafting and revising administrative and technical guidance documents, memoranda, training materials, SEPP publications, procurement and grant documents, and other written materials to be distributed internally or externally as assigned;

Collecting, reviewing, collaborating, and performing analysis and written summary of education data related to regulatory and State Performance Plan (SPP) Indicators, compliance, and performance metrics;

Proposing, planning, and procuring expert providers and vendors, and coordinate and present statewide training and professional development activities for special educators, related services providers, families, and interested persons;

Reviewing and approving entitlement, targeted, and competitive grant proposals from local education agencies related to special education programs;

Reviewing school district responsibility assignment submissions and review materials to determine whether additional information is needed for an assignment pursuant to 603 CMR 28.10;

Analyzing individual student circumstances, information, and documentation, and draft findings of school district responsibility for any party seeking a school district responsibility assignment;

Developing, implementing, and monitoring interagency service agreements;

Developing and maintaining operating and other procedures and systems for data collection, record retention, preparing reports and filings, and other compliance requirements;

Attending and presenting in-person and virtual internal and external meetings, and communicate with and manage vendor representatives and/or contractors;

Representing SEPP and DESE in external in-person engagements and meetings as requested and required; and

Completing other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Superior project management skills;

Strong school or district experience educating or overseeing the education of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and supporting these students in the least restrictive environment (LRE), preferably in inclusive classrooms;

Knowledge of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other federal education law, and awareness of the Results Driven Accountability (RDA) framework for special education including systemic strategies for improving outcomes for students with IEPs;

Knowledge of Massachusetts state special education laws and regulations;

Knowledge of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 and awareness of current Massachusetts reform initiatives;

Experience in data-based decision making, creating and sustaining inclusive schools, educational access and equity, social emotional learning, strategic resource management, and/or academic content;

Ability to read, analyze, and determine the applicability of data, exercise sound judgment, draw logical conclusions, and propose strategies for programmatic implementation;

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, including tactfully communicating with and responding to others in person, in writing.

Strong computer skills, including word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; ability to use technology to research, create and manage databases, use application software programs, and produce written analyses, documents, reports;

Demonstrated strong business writing skills;

Demonstrated commitment to cultural awareness, responsiveness, and proficiency for oneself and the ability to support others in this priority.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others; and

Demonstrated responsibility for assigned work and the ability to take action on critical feedback.

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Based on assignments, travel throughout the Commonwealth is required

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.

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.

This position follows a hybrid model of three (3) assigned in-office days per week. The primary work location is Everett.

The Educational Specialist C engages in statewide special education activities and priorities focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Activities include but are not limited to statewide data collection, analysis, and reporting; grant reviews and fiscal monitoring; development and provision of technical assistance; and proposing, planning, delivering, and procuring high-quality professional development. Responsibilities may also include special projects related to assessment, eligibility determination, Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, creating and sustaining inclusive schools, early childhood and secondary transition, literacy, family engagement, compliance, student outcomes, diverse student populations, disproportionality, discipline, social-emotional learning, educator preparation, strategic use of resources, and related topics; and intra/interagency collaboration related to students with disabilities.

The Education Specialist C supports SEPP management and the State Director of Special Education in the implementation of federal IDEA and related state special education requirements including creating and sustaining aligned, coherent systems of general supervision.

Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

Maintaining knowledge of federal and Massachusetts state special education laws and regulations and current trends and issues in the field of special education and specific disabilities;

Contributing to strategic priorities and the development of related resources to promote a data-driven inquiry process from referral to special education to implementation of individual education programs (IEP) pursuant to federal and state requirements;

Serving as a customer service liaison to provide technical assistance, guidance, feedback, and information to customers/stakeholders including but not limited to SEPP staff, agency staff, district staff, contractors, vendors, families, and other interested parties related to special education policy, laws, regulation, and evidence-based best practices.

Utilizing data to inform the development of written technical assistance, administrative advisories, guidance, professional development programs, and other continuous improvement initiatives at the state and local levels;

Drafting and revising administrative and technical guidance documents, memoranda, training materials, SEPP publications, procurement and grant documents, and other written materials to be distributed internally or externally as assigned;

Collecting, reviewing, collaborating, and performing analysis and written summary of education data related to regulatory and State Performance Plan (SPP) Indicators, compliance, and performance metrics;

Proposing, planning, and procuring expert providers and vendors, and coordinate and present statewide training and professional development activities for special educators, related services providers, families, and interested persons;

Reviewing and approving entitlement, targeted, and competitive grant proposals from local education agencies related to special education programs;

Reviewing school district responsibility assignment submissions and review materials to determine whether additional information is needed for an assignment pursuant to 603 CMR 28.10;

Analyzing individual student circumstances, information, and documentation, and draft findings of school district responsibility for any party seeking a school district responsibility assignment;

Developing, implementing, and monitoring interagency service agreements;

Developing and maintaining operating and other procedures and systems for data collection, record retention, preparing reports and filings, and other compliance requirements;

Attending and presenting in-person and virtual internal and external meetings, and communicate with and manage vendor representatives and/or contractors;

Representing SEPP and DESE in external in-person engagements and meetings as requested and required; and

Completing other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Superior project management skills;

Strong school or district experience educating or overseeing the education of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and supporting these students in the least restrictive environment (LRE), preferably in inclusive classrooms;

Knowledge of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other federal education law, and awareness of the Results Driven Accountability (RDA) framework for special education including systemic strategies for improving outcomes for students with IEPs;

Knowledge of Massachusetts state special education laws and regulations;

Knowledge of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 and awareness of current Massachusetts reform initiatives;

Experience in data-based decision making, creating and sustaining inclusive schools, educational access and equity, social emotional learning, strategic resource management, and/or academic content;

Ability to read, analyze, and determine the applicability of data, exercise sound judgment, draw logical conclusions, and propose strategies for programmatic implementation;

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, including tactfully communicating with and responding to others in person, in writing.

Strong computer skills, including word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; ability to use technology to research, create and manage databases, use application software programs, and produce written analyses, documents, reports;

Demonstrated strong business writing skills;

Demonstrated commitment to cultural awareness, responsiveness, and proficiency for oneself and the ability to support others in this priority.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others; and

Demonstrated responsibility for assigned work and the ability to take action on critical feedback.

Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Based on assignments, travel throughout the Commonwealth is required

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.

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.