Job Description

　　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.

　　Please note that pursuant to Massachusetts general law, contracted employees are not paid for the eleven scheduled holidays, do not receive any paid, vacation, personal leave benefits, or contribute to the state retirement system or social security. As a state contracted employee, you must participate in direct deposit and contribute towards the Commonwealth of Massachusetts state alternate retirement plan, ("OBRA Plan").

　　The Office of Special Education Planning & Policy is seeking to hire a contract employee to assist in special education programs. The Special Education Programmatic Assistant will perform the following duties:

　　Key Responsibilities:

　　• Maintain knowledge of Federal and State special education laws and regulations and current trends and issues in the field of special education

　　• Collaborate with multiple other Department units and contracted vendors

　　• Have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education

　　• Review, revise, and design resources for educators and other stakeholders related to equity in special education, parent engagement, the State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) and other special education-related topics

　　• Utilize SPP/APR data to inform the development of technical assistance, administrative advisories, guidance, and other improvement initiatives as appropriate;

　　• Draft or edit content for various writing projects specific to special education such as guidance, online resources, stakeholder email communication, etc.

　　• Organize and co-coordinate meetings for stakeholders related to assigned projects

　　• Support Leadership and colleagues in project development and implementation

　　• Manage and communicate tasks related to each of the SPP/APR Indicators with internal staff and external stakeholders

　　• Gather, analyze, and report data and maintain organized files and records related to the SPP/APR and other special education-related issues

　　• Assist with annual public reporting of SPP/APR data to enhance public understanding of the data

　　• Create, review, edit, and disseminate Indicator reports and online resources in collaboration with DESE staff, contracted vendors, and others

　　• Coordinate and lead the Department's stakeholder engagement efforts related to the SPP/APR

　　• Perform other duties as required

　　Preferred Qualifications:

　　• Knowledge of the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

　　• Knowledge of Massachusetts special education laws and special education regulations

　　• Understanding of IDEA General Supervision, its components and creating cohesive systems

　　• Strong organizational skills

　　• Demonstrated ability to write clear, accessible, well-organized, succinct prose that is appropriate for its audience

　　• Strong computer skills, including word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software

　　• Ability to use technology to research, and produce written documents and reports

　　• Demonstrated strong business writing skills

　　• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

　　• Ability to be adaptive in response to the needs of schools, districts, and external stakeholders

　　Some travel within the Commonwealth may be required for this position.

　　Questions regarding this position or the application process may be directed to [email protected]

　　Qualifications

　　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.