Massachusetts Jobs

High School Equivalency Specialist Job Posting Posting Date:2/7/2025 Application Deadline: First consideration will be given to those applicants who apply within the first 14 days of the posting date. __ TheEducation Secretariatis committed to equity and values 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. TheMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public schoolchildren each year. We also oversee programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year. Our work is guided by our Educational Visionthat seeks to ensure that: • All students are known and valued; • Learning experiences are relevant, real-world, and interactive; and • Individualized supports enable students to excel at grade level (or beyond). Introductory Information Are you passionate about advancing equity in education and making a measurable impact on the lives of adult learners across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts? The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is seeking aHigh School Equivalency (HSE) Specialistwho is solution-oriented, committed to fostering equitable outcomes, and skilled at building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. If you are a forward-thinking individual with a proven ability to support adult education programs, ensure compliance with state and federal policies, and drive high-impact initiatives, we encourage you to apply! Section 1: Agency The HSE Specialist will join theAdult and Community Learning Services (ACLS)Unit, which overseesPublic Adult Education in Massachusetts. ACLS is committed to providingequitable access to high-quality educationthat enables adult learners to achieve their educational and career goals. DESE incorporatesequity considerations in all its work, ensuring that our actions contribute to systemic change and a more inclusive educational environment. ______________ Section 2: Impact & Core Responsibilities The High School Equivalency (HSE) Specialistwill be a driving force in expanding educational opportunities for adult learners across Massachusetts. With a commitment toequity, accessibility, and program excellence, the specialist willensure that high school equivalency pathways are effective,inclusive, and aligned with state and national standards. This role prioritizessystemic impact, strategic problem-solving, and stakeholder engagementto remove barriers and increase credential attainment. 1. Advance Equitable Credential Attainment & Testing Access • Champion equitable access to high-quality High School Equivalency (HSE) testingby overseeing statewide credentialing options (HiSET®/GED®). • * Lead strategic coordinationof test administration as the HSE State Chief Examiner, ensuring equitable access, fairness, and compliance. • *Foster a high-performing testing ecosystemby supporting HSE Test Centers, partnering with vendors, and leveraging data insights to drive improvements. • Empower test centers with tools and knowledgethrough training, technical assistance, and policy guidance, ensuring ADA compliance and accessibility. • Establish and sustain advisory networksto maintain ongoing feedback loops with test centers and community stakeholders. • * Elevate Massachusetts as a leader in HSE testingby driving innovation and presenting findings at state and national conferences. *2. Strengthen Adult Education Programs Through Technical Assistance & Data-Driven Solutions • Equip adult education providerswithstrategic support, data-driven insights, and policy guidance to optimize student success and program effectiveness. • Use performance metrics and program evaluationsto identify areas for improvement and ensure continuoushigh-impact service delivery. • Guide programs in maintaining compliancewithstate and federal policies, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). • * Ensure program sustainability and innovationby reviewing and advising ongrant applications, budgets, and funding proposals.* 3. Lead Equity-Driven Collaboration & System Improvement • Foster cross-agency collaborationby convening theHSE Advisory Committee,bringing together stakeholders to shape the future of HSE testing. • Act as a thought leader and advocatefor marginalized communities,removing barriersto credential attainment. • Enhance professional learningby facilitating workshops, stakeholder meetings, and cross-sector partnerships. • * Commit to lifelong learning and innovation, leveraging research and best practices torefine and strengthen HSE policies. ______________ *Section 3: Preferred Knowledge and Skills • Deep understanding ofHSE testing processes (HiSET®/GED®). • Experience usingequity-focused toolsin policy and program management. • Familiarity withadult education programming, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE). • Ability todevelop and implement strategies to advance equityand improve outcomes for marginalized communities. • Expertise in data analysis, program evaluation, and performance improvement. • Strong ability to provide constructive, solution-oriented technical assistance. • Effectivecommunication and interpersonal skillsto foster collaborative relationships. • Mastery ofcurriculum, instruction, and assessment strategiesto supporthigh achievement and growth for adult learners. • Knowledge ofchange management principlesto guide organizational learning and adaptation. • Proven leadership incoaching, guidance, and team capacity-building. Don’t meet every preferred skill above? Please apply anyway! Studies show that individuals from marginalized communities—such as women, LGBTQIA2S people, and people of color—are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every requirement. DESE is committed tobuilding an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplacethat fosters a sense of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. Section 4: Preferred Qualifications: • Strongorganizational, analytical, and communication skills. • Ability tomanage multiple priorities effectivelyanduse data to inform decision-making. • Deep knowledge ofHigh School Equivalency (HSE) processes and testing protocols. • Strong ability toanalyze program data, provide actionable feedback, and improve program performance. • Ability to deliver technical assistancein a constructive and supportive manner. As part of this role, theEducational Specialistwill serve as theHigh School Equivalency (HSE) State Chief Examiner, overseeing HSE Test Centers, working with HSE test vendors, issuing Request for Proposals (RFPs) related to funding test centers across the Commonwealth, and Request for Responses (RFRs) to secure vendors to provide testing and credential issuance in Massachusetts.The State Chief Examineris also responsible for conducting site visits and providingtechnical assistance. __ Public Adult Education of MA Services Public Adult Education services include, but are not limited to: • Adult Basic Education (ABE) • Adult Secondary Education (PreASE/ASE) • Adult Diploma Program (ADP) • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) • MassSTEP ABE and ESOL programs • Primary instruction by volunteers • MassLINKS online virtual academy • Transitions to college programs • Pay for Performance initiatives • Workplace education • * Professional development for adult education staff* Apply Today! Join us in transforming educational opportunities and driving equitable outcomes for adult learners across Massachusetts. Apply now! Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application. Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @maureen.t.o'brien@mass.gov. This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, telecommuting up to three days per week. 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/or 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. Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D 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! 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: *High School Equivalency Specialist Location: Massachusetts-Everett- 135 Santilli Highway Requisition ID: 25000103