Special Education Specialist (ESC)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Everett, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Educational Specialist C engages in statewide special education activities and priorities focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities. Work includes statewide data collection, analysis, and reporting; grant reviews and fiscal monitoring; technical assistance; and planning, delivering, and procuring professional development. Special projects may address assessment, eligibility determination, IEP development, inclusive schools, early childhood and secondary transition, literacy, family engagement, compliance, student outcomes, diverse student populations, disproportionality, discipline, social-emotional learning, educator preparation, and strategic resource use, among related topics. The role also involves collaboration within and across agencies. The Education Specialist C supports SEPP management and the State Director of Special Education in implementing federal IDEA and related Massachusetts special education requirements, including the creation and maintenance of aligned, coherent systems of general supervision. The position follows a hybrid model with three assigned in-office days per week, and its primary work location is Everett. Travel throughout the Commonwealth is required based on assignments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 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 related educational content area may substitute for two years of required experience; 30 semester hours equals one year for substitution purposes.
Based on assignment, a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or equivalent from another state may be required.
Ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth based on assignments.
Strong computer skills, including word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; ability to research, create and manage databases, use application software, and produce written analyses, documents, and reports.
Demonstrated strong business writing skills.
Demonstrated commitment to cultural awareness, responsiveness, and proficiency, and ability to support others in this priority.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships.
Demonstrated responsibility for assigned work and ability to act on critical feedback.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Superior project management skills.
Strong school or district experience educating or overseeing the education of students with IEPs and supporting them in the least restrictive environment, preferably in inclusive classrooms.
Knowledge of IDEA and other federal education law, and awareness of the Results Driven Accountability framework and systemic strategies for improving outcomes for students with IEPs.
Knowledge of Massachusetts 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 program implementation strategies.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, including tactful communication and responsiveness in person and in writing.

Responsibilities

Maintain knowledge of federal and Massachusetts special education laws and regulations, as well as current trends and issues in special education and specific disabilities.
Contribute to strategic priorities and develop resources that promote data-driven inquiry from referral through special education and IEP implementation under federal and state requirements.
Serve as a customer service liaison, providing technical assistance, guidance, feedback, and information to stakeholders on special education policy, laws, regulations, and evidence-based practices.
Use data to inform written technical assistance, administrative advisories, guidance, professional development, and continuous improvement initiatives at state and local levels.
Draft and revise guidance documents, memoranda, training materials, publications, procurement and grant documents, and other written materials.
Collect, review, collaborate on, analyze, and summarize education data related to regulatory and State Performance Plan indicators, compliance, and performance metrics.
Propose, plan, and procure expert providers and vendors, and coordinate and present statewide training and professional development activities.
Review and approve entitlement, targeted, and competitive grant proposals from local education agencies related to special education programs.
Review school district responsibility assignment submissions and materials, and determine whether additional information is needed under 603 CMR 28.10.
Analyze individual student circumstances, information, and documentation, and draft findings of school district responsibility for parties seeking an assignment.
Develop, implement, and monitor interagency service agreements.
Develop and maintain procedures and systems for data collection, record retention, reports and filings, and other compliance requirements.
Attend and present at internal and external meetings, in person and virtually, and communicate with and manage vendor representatives and contractors.
Represent SEPP and DESE in external engagements and meetings as requested and required.
Complete other duties as assigned.