Description
The Legal Office of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), Commissioner, and ESE staff on issues of education law, policy and administration; coordinates arbitrations under the Education Reform Act; works with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation; oversees the Office of Professional Practice 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, vocational-technical education, and adult basic education programs..
Under the supervision and direction of the Chief of Investigations, the selected candidate will conduct investigations of allegations of misconduct by licensed educators; gather evidence for preparation of Notices of Probable Cause, work with legal counsel in preparing the Notices of Probable Cause and in preparing for and presenting evidence in administrative and adjudicatory hearings; coordinate Department enforcement efforts with local, state and federal law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
The selected candidate will also perform the following duties:
review and investigate allegations of misconduct by licensed educators and applicants for licensure, complaints and reports from individuals, schools, national data repositories, law enforcement agencies, and other sources to determine potential violations of laws, regulations or standards affecting the safety and/or welfare of students of the Commonwealth;
work with Department legal counsel and other Department staff in investigations, preparation, presentation and litigation of cases;
analyze reports, financial records, court records, law enforcement reports, and relevant specialized and/or technical documents, both paper and electronic, to determine the extent and nature of any violation of law, regulation or standard of conduct by a Massachusetts educator or an applicant for licensure;
locate witnesses, complainants, and potential witnesses, and schedule interviews. Interview students and witnesses, as well as educators under investigation, to determine the potential testimonial evidence from such sources;
attend relevant trainings as required; keeps abreast of all relevant developments and changes to laws and regulations, and participate in Department outreach activities including, but not limited to, conferences and meetings;
efficiently and effectively manage caseload, prioritizing work appropriately, setting and achieving goals and responding to deadlines in a timely manner;
cooperate with and/or assist in the facilitation of investigations and resulting prosecutions of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies regarding violations of laws, regulations or standards of conduct that threaten the safety and/or welfare of children
adhere to strict legal and regulatory requirements of confidentiality and prohibitions against unauthorized disclosure of sensitive, confidential and privileged information regarding students, educators, applicants for licensure and law enforcement investigations;
performs other duties as required; and
Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
The successful candidate will possess:
For this particular position we are seeking an individual with a Bachelor's Degree and at least 4 years of experience in criminal justice, investigatory or law enforcement work.
knowledge of criminal justice, investigator or law enforcement work
knowledge of investigative techniques;
ability to understand, interpret, apply, and explain the standards of educator conduct, relevant statutes and Department regulations and policies;
ability to follow written and oral instructions;
ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner;
ability to maintain accurate records and case files;
ability to prepare general and financial reports;
ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence;
ability to communicate effectively in oral expression;
ability to exercise sound judgment;
ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information;
ability to adjust to changing situations to meet changing program requirements;
ability to deal tactfully with others;
ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others;
ability to work in a team setting;
ability to work independently;
possession of a valid class 3 Massachusetts motor vehicle operator’s license and the ability to use private transportation for work related travel;
proven experience working with school administrations and staff; and
proven experience interacting with school age children.
** Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referredtoMaureen O’Brien at mtobrien@doe.mass.edu or 781-338-6107.
Qualifications
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Read this description and apply on the MassCareers Job Site
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 Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.