Student Veterans of America 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 andidentifyyour strengths in these areas.  The Legal Office of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education,Commissioner, and DESE staff on issues of education law, policy, and administration; works with the AttorneyGeneral’sOffice on litigation; oversees the Office of ProfessionalPracticesInvestigations; and provides information to school officials, parents and students, and other constituents on the state and federal laws affecting public elementary and secondary schools,career-technical education, and adult basic education programs.The Legal Office works together with all policy units to implementDESE’s Educational Vision https://www.doe.mass.edu/commissioner/vision/. ThisEducation Legal Counsel/Counsel IIpositioninvolvesworking on a broad range of legal topicsrelating toK-12educationwith anemphasis on improving educational opportunities for students with disabilities and historically underserved students. The Counsel II willprovidelegal advice to DESE policymakersin complexareasthat require examining variousstatutes, regulations, cases, and guidance documents.TheEducation Legal Counsel/Counsel II willprovidelegaladvice in connection with complaints received by DESE’s Problem Resolution System Office(PRS), including conductinglegal research andlegalreviews ofPRSdecisions.Depending upon DESE’s specific legal needs, at timesthis position may involvedrafting regulations,providing input on proposedlegislation,responding to external inquiries,representingDESEin administrative proceedings, andcollaborating with the Attorney General's Office on litigation.This positionfocusesparticularlyonlegal work relating tospecial education and other programs and services for students with disabilitiesandisinvolvedin helping to shapeeducational policy and practices that directlybenefitstudents across Massachusetts.   TheEducation Legal Counsel/Counsel II reports to the Deputy General Counsel and works closely witha highly collaborative team ofcolleagues in the Legal Officefocused on improving educational opportunities and experiences of students.The Counsel IIdirectlyinteracts withleaders andpolicymakers throughout DESE.The selected candidate will perform the following duties:   * Providelegal advice toDESE administrators and staffonstate and federal laws governing elementary, secondary,career-technical, and adult basic education programs, withaparticular focus on special education and other programs and services for students withdisabilities;   * Analyze legal requirements relating to special education and other regulated programs and provide legal counsel toDESE’s offices ofProblem Resolution System,Special Education Planning and Policy, Special Education in Institutional Settings, Approved Special Education Schools, and Public SchoolMonitoring;   * Analyze and interpret laws and policies fundamental to education in the Commonwealth, including the Education Reform Act,Student Opportunity Act,Every Student Succeeds Act,Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,and state and federal laws concerning homeless students, students in foster care, andEnglishlearners;   * Draft, review, analyze,and interpret documents including legislation, regulations,case law,contracts, interagency agreements, andguidancedocuments;   * Prepare written and oral information, legal memoranda, andotheropinions forDESE administrators and staff and local school officials concerning their duties under state and federallaws;   * Communicate and coordinate as needed with officials of other state and federal agencies, school and district leaders, advocacy organizations, and other constituentsregardingeducation laws andpolicies;   * RepresentDESE in interagency meetings andnegotiations;   * Prepare materials andas neededprovide training toDESE staff and school officials on new legaldevelopments;   * Participate in formulating recommendations for the Commissionerregardingpolicies, legislation, and regulatorychanges;   * RepresentDESE in administrative adjudicatory proceedings, including atthe Bureau of Special Education Appeals; and   * Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, or the Commissioner.   Based on assignment, travelmay berequired. Please include a cover letter and resume with your online submission.  Questionsregardingthis posting or the application process should be referred to           Maureen O’Brien atmaureen.t.o'brien@mass.govor 781-338-6107.     Preferred Qualifications                The qualified candidate willpossess: •             three (3) or more years of experience practicing law or in a position requiring                 membership in theBar; •             excellent analytical, legal research, and writingskills; •             successful experience in the practice of law, including experience with some                or all ofthe following: state and federal special education law; other laws  affecting educational programs and services;direct client counseling;administrative adjudicatory hearings or litigation; negotiation. •             strong interpersonal skills, including ability toestablishrapport, motivate, and                maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and clients                from diversebackgrounds; •             ability to understand, apply, and explain the laws, rules, regulations, policies, standards,and guidelines governing educationprograms; •             ability to process and assimilate detailedfactual informationpresented orally                or inwriting; •             ability to exercise soundjudgment; •             excellent communication skills, orally and in writing, including ability to write                and present clear, appropriately detailed memoranda and documentation as               required; •             ability to strategize and work with others to solveproblems; •             ability to handle matters with mature judgment anddiscretion; •             strong organizational skills, including ability to manage complex tasks and                meetdeadlines; •             ability to work with confidential information andmaintainthe highest level of                confidentiality; •             ability to effectively manageavaried caseload while balancing multiple and                competingpriorities; •             knowledge of state and federal education laws; and •             strong computer skills and fluency with Microsoft Wordand Excel. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment. *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: Legal Services *Organization: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education *Title: *Education Legal Counsel * Location: *Massachusetts-Everett - 135 Santili Highway Requisition ID: 240005S4