Mediator

Job Description

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that hears and resolves challenges to decisions made by other Massachusetts state agencies. Through its Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), DALA also conducts mediations, facilitations and hearings to resolve disputes among parents, school districts, private schools and state agencies concerning eligibility, evaluation, placement, individualized education programs (IEPs), special education services and procedural protections for students with disabilities. Fundamental to all DALA's work is upholding the due process rights of everyone who comes before the agency.

DALA also is hiring a Facilitator for the BSEA. If interested, individuals are encouraged to apply for both positions.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW & POSITION SUMMARY:

• Serves as a mediator for the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) unit.
• This position requires completed mediation training (30+ hours).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct approximately 125 mediations annually (both in-person and virtual), maintaining settlement and participation rates.
• Conduct approximately 10-15 facilitations a year, both in-person and remotely.
• Communicate with stakeholders (parents, students, school districts, advocates, attorneys) via in-person, phone, and email.
• Provide special education technical assistance to stakeholders over the phone.
• Manage cases and data daily/weekly.
• Engage in professional development.
• Regularly communicate with the BSEA Coordinator of Mediation/Facilitation.
• Collaborate on projects with colleagues.
• Manage caseload effectively and maintain accurate records using BSEA's case management system and tools.
• Conduct outreach to improve awareness of, and participation in, the BSEA's facilitation and mediation programs.
• Additional duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience mediating in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience facilitating meetings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Knowledgeable in special education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Experienced in compassionately working with diverse populations.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to assess and address issues in a timely fashion.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and be part of a team.
• Strong data management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong personal character and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Completion of at least 30 hours of mediation training.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in teaching, educational administration, educational counseling or educational guidance, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in education or special education may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.

II. A Graduate degree with a major in education, special education, educational administration or educational counseling may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.

*Education toward such a degree 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 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.