Education Legal Counsel

An Official website of the Commonwealth of MassachusettsALERTEffective January 25, 2024, Executive Order #627 cements the Commonwealth's well-established practice of skills-based hiring, paving the way to a more equitable hiring process. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to serve our citizens. Join us today!Job Description - Education Legal Counsel (240005S4)Education Legal Counsel - (240005S4)DescriptionThe 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.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 Attorney General’s Office on litigation; oversees the Office of Professional Practices Investigations; 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.This Education Legal Counsel/Counsel II position involves working on a broad range of legal topics relating to K-12 education with an emphasis on improving educational opportunities for students with disabilities and historically underserved students. The Counsel II will provide legal advice to DESE policymakers in complex areas that require examining various statutes, regulations, cases, and guidance documents. The Education Legal Counsel/Counsel II will provide legal advice in connection with complaints received by DESE’s Problem Resolution System Office (PRS), including conducting legal research and legal reviews of PRS decisions. Depending upon DESE’s specific legal needs, at times this position may involve drafting regulations, providing input on proposed legislation, responding to external inquiries, representing DESE in administrative proceedings, and collaborating with the Attorney General's Office on litigation. This position focuses particularly on legal work relating to special education and other programs and services for students with disabilities and is involved in helping to shape educational policy and practices that directly benefit students across Massachusetts.The Education Legal Counsel/Counsel II reports to the Deputy General Counsel and works closely with a highly collaborative team of colleagues in the Legal Office focused on improving educational opportunities and experiences of students. The Counsel II directly interacts with leaders and policymakers throughout DESE. The selected candidate will perform the following duties:Provide legal advice to DESE administrators and staff on state and federal laws governing elementary, secondary, career-technical, and adult basic education programs, with a particular focus on special education and other programs and services for students with disabilities;Analyze legal requirements relating to special education and other regulated programs and provide legal counsel to DESE’s offices of Problem Resolution System, Special Education Planning and Policy, Special Education in Institutional Settings, Approved Special Education Schools, and Public School Monitoring;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, and English learners;Draft, review, analyze, and interpret documents including legislation, regulations, case law, contracts, interagency agreements, and guidance documents;Prepare written and oral information, legal memoranda, and other opinions for DESE administrators and staff and local school officials concerning their duties under state and federal laws;Communicate and coordinate as needed with officials of other state and federal agencies, school and district leaders, advocacy organizations, and other constituents regarding education laws and policies;Represent DESE in interagency meetings and negotiations;Prepare materials and as needed provide training to DESE staff and school officials on new legal developments;Participate in formulating recommendations for the Commissioner regarding policies, legislation, and regulatory changes;Represent DESE in administrative adjudicatory proceedings, including at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals;Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel, or the Commissioner.Based on assignment, travel may be required.Please include a cover letter and resume with your online submission.Minimum Entrance Requirements:Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar, and 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 Driver's License at a Class level specific to assignment.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.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.Official Title:

Counsel IIPrimary Location

Job

Job:

Legal ServicesAgency

Agency:

Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationSchedule

Schedule:

Full-timeShift

Shift:

DayJob Posting

Job Posting:

Sep 9, 2024, 1:22:22 PMNumber of Openings

Number of Openings:

1Salary

Salary:

84,243.38 - 122,903.04 YearlyIf you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Ferdousi Faruque - 781-338-6108Bargaining Unit:

06-NAGE - Professional Admin.Confidential:

NoPotentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule:

Yes

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