Mediator - Bureau of Special Education Appeals

Company: State of Massachusetts
Location: Malden
Posted on: June 4, 2021

Job Description:

Conducts approximately 125 special education mediations and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings annually; manages a caseload of approximately 250 mediation requests/inquires annually; provides technical assistance regarding laws, regulations, and due process options pertaining to special education and disability laws to families and school districts; reports on caseload; presents to relevant groups on BSEA mediations and facilitations. Other duties as assigned.

_Responsibilities_

1. Schedules, convenes and conducts special education mediations/alternative dispute resolution proceedings involving public school administrators, parents, advocates and/or attorneys and staff from other agencies.

2. Manages the conduct and facilitates the problem solving of participants in the dispute resolution proceedings.

3. Provides technical assistance regarding state and federal special education laws and regulations.

4. Memorializes the terms of the Mediated Agreements reached by the parties.

5. Conducts proceedings so as to assure confidentiality.

6. Controls dispute resolution proceedings in an effort to arrive at a speedy and meaningful resolution of the dispute.

7. Manages mediation/dispute resolution caseload.

8. Determines which issues should take priority in order to direct alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

9. Uses discretion and sound judgment in field conditions.

10. Exhibits personal integrity, neutrality, and impartiality in all aspects of the performance of duties.

11. Regularly inputs information and relevant data on mediation caseload into BSEA data management system.

12. Conductions trainings on Special Education mediation and facilitation as needed.

13. Performs related work as required.

14. Promptly responds to mediation participants inquiries.

15. Drives to school districts across the Commonwealth to conduct mediations daily. Will be covering school districts in Western Massachusetts, preference for candidates who live in Western, MA.

_Preferred Qualifications:_

1. Recent experience in serving as a mediator.

2. Knowledge of IDEA and Massachusetts Special Education regulations/laws.

3. Preference for candidates with settlement drafting skills.

4. Training in dispute resolution theory in addition to mediation training.

5. Ability to focus and redirect efforts of others.

6. Reliable, collaborative team player.

7. Good interpersonal and communication skills.

8. Caseload management skills.

9. Ability to access computer server and databases from field.

_Special Requirements:_

1. Candidates must have mediator training to comply with Massachusetts Mediator Confidentiality statutes (MGL Ch 233, sec. 23C).

2. Valid Driver's License.

3. Vehicle to drive to locations of mediations across the state.

*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.

*An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.*

**Job:** **Education*

**Organization:** **Administrative Law Appeals*

**Title:** *Mediator - Bureau of Special Education Appeals*

**Location:** *Massachusetts-Malden - 14 Summer Street*

**Requisition ID:** *210001UI*

Keywords: State of Massachusetts, Malden , Mediator - Bureau of Special Education Appeals, Other , Malden, Massachusetts