Massachusetts 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 Problem Resolution System (PRS) Office provides families, students and school districts with a forum for the resolution of complaints on a wide range of applicable education laws and regulations in a manner that is prompt, accurate, and fair. PRS also serves as the Department’s state complaint system pursuant to the federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). PRS aims to provide the public with easy access to information regarding students' rights and educational options and to expand, enhance, and ensure equitable access to high quality educational options for learners of all ages, especially those who have been historically underserved, which is consistent with the Department’s mission. The PRS Director is responsible for overseeing the PRS team, which consists of the PRS Assistant Director (1), PRS Supervisor Team (5), PRS Education Liaisons (19), Administrative Support (4), and Contract Staff (5 when fully staffed). The PRS Director is responsible for providing high-quality leadership to their staff through the development of systems, procedures, guidance, support, and supervision to ensure that PRS complaint determinations are timely, accurate and calibrated with the applicable laws, regulations, and the Department’s guidance and policies. In collaboration with other units within the Department, the Director is also responsible for utilizing data and information gathered through the state complaint process to inform the implementation of the Department’s general supervision authority under the IDEA. The Problem Resolution System Director (PRS) reports directly to the Executive Director of Special Education. Outside the agency the Director works or consults with the Bureau of Special Education Appeals, the Executive Office of Education and Legislative officials, (through the Commissioner's Office), the Department of Families and Children, in addition to advocates, attorneys, legal aid groups, private special education school program officials, and public school districts. Key Responsibility Areas: /Oversee implementation of the Problem Resolution System -/ // Maintain and develop an effective system of managing state complaints filed with the Department that satisfies the relevant federal and state requirements related to the processing of state complaints, including, but not limited to issuing clear, accurate, and timely determinations, that follow proper investigatory procedures. Creating and maintaining system(s) for monitoring and verifying the satisfaction of ordered corrective action pursuant to determinations of non-compliance. Develop and adapt a process for efficient processing of complaints filed with the PRS system that alleges non-compliance on behalf of PRS (SEA Complaints). As SEA Complaints typically require an independent investigation, in collaboration with other relevant offices (e.g., the Legal Office), the Director must ensure that PRS provides accurate and timely responses to any investigation request received and implements any corrective action ordered pursuant to this process Ensure that PRS provides and serves as a responsive technical assistance resource to the public and that PRS resources remain accessible to all interested parties, including families, educators, and community members. In collaboration with other offices, support PRS-related public record requests are timely, responsive, and comprehensive. Manage all PRS Office functions, including unit staffing, budgeting, and developing office policies and procedures; this includes improving upon and continuing to enhance PRS’s data protocols to ensure that PRS is able to meet its reporting obligations to the United States Department of Education and does so in a way that is efficient, comprehensive, and accurate. /Establish and maintain effective supervision structures -/ Provide timely supervision and direct support to PRS supervisors through regular direct report staff; including establishing and enforcing norms and expectations for supervisors regarding their responsibilities in oversight of PRS liaisons and other team staff. Develop and maintain a cohesive unit staff, provides an opportunity for staff, supervisors, and/or administrators to share information, calibrate understanding and expectation of relevant matters, resolve issues, and develop strategies to improve the unit/Department’s functioning /Collaborate to Enforce the Department’s General Supervision Authority -/ Collaborate with other offices within the Department by utilizing data and information gathered through the state complaint process to inform the implementation of the Department’s general supervision authority under the IDEA. Oversee enforcement of determinations issued by the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), another state agency, to ensure implementation of BSEA orders. /Community Engagement - / Offer informative and relevant training, resources, and technical assistance to audiences such as Department Advisory Groups, Districts/Schools, and parent advocacy organizations to educate the public on the PRS resources and relevant education-related topics. Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team, preferably through a supportive approach. Leadership experience must include planning, organizing, directing, and motivating a team. Exemplary verbal and written communication skills are a requirement for this role, which includes but is not limited to, the ability to administer feedback constructively. Possess the skillset to identify and support staff development in areas such as content expertise (i.e., special education law or regulation, student discipline, etc.), letter writing, and provision of technical assistance. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and make sound decisions under pressure, stress, and/or in a high-volume work environment. Must be flexible and willing to learn new material and adapt to change. Commitment to team mission and core values, which include acting with purpose, continuous improvement, collaborative teamwork, learner-centered, and dedication to the Department’s Educational Vision. Must have the ability to proactively support and uphold the team mission and core values. Knowledge of current state and federal education laws and regulations, including an extensive understanding regarding the requirements of a state complaint process, the Department’s General Supervision Authority, and PRS’s role in that supervision. Knowledge of the Department’s policies, procedures, and practices, including those of the PRS Office. Excellent written and verbal skills, including experience writing, editing, and synthesizing complex materials into clear statements, summaries, and findings. Commitment to achieving cultural competence and implementing their duties in an unbiased and objective manner. Experience working with a broad and diverse range of constituencies is preferred. Experience interpreting state and federal law and regulations related to special education and other programs serving Massachusetts school students. Experience in public and/or private elementary or secondary education setting, including, but not limited to teaching, education administration, and/or legal representation. Experience with dispute resolution processes involving public school districts, local education agencies, state educational authorities, and/or federal agencies. Experience handling complaints regarding school services and oversight of a state complaint system. Experience working with school/district administrators to ensure compliance with state and federal program requirements. Travel will be required for this position. Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience. II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience. *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. Job: Education* *Organization: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education *Title: *Director of Problem Resolution Systems Location: Massachusetts-Everett- 135 Santilli Highway Requisition ID: 240005PR