Safe and Supportive Schools Specialist/Educational Specialist C

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (Department or DESE) Educational Vision (EdVision) document describes the Department's aspiration - our vision - for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in a commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with districts, schools, and educators to promote teaching and learning that is antiracist, inclusive, multilingual, and multicultural; that values and affirms each and every student and their families; and that creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved.

The Department knows that our most important asset is our staff. DESE continuously strives for a workplace that values a community of diverse talent where everyone works together to improve education for all students. We believe in diverse talent. A strong, innovative, and effective team has members with diverse experiences. We believe in, and work toward, equity for all protected classes. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Department's Office of Student and Family Support (SFS) leads initiatives that promote high quality, student-centered pre-K-grade 12 programs grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion principles so that all students gain the knowledge, skills and values needed to be well prepared for post-secondary options as well as a career and citizenship.

The SFS Office works in partnership with colleagues, educators, schools, students, families, and other agencies and organizations across the Commonwealth to advance the Department's EdVision. In this vision, All students in Massachusetts, particularly students from historically underserved groups and communities, will have equitable opportunities to excel in all content areas across all grades. Culturally and linguistically sustaining classroom and school practices will support students to thrive by creating affirming environments where students have a sense of belonging, engage in deeper learning, and are held to high expectations with targeted support.

The Safe and Supportive Schools Specialist/Educational Specialist C will lead and contribute to a number of Department efforts that strengthen equitable, safe, and healthy learning environments.

Key Responsibilities for the Safe and Supportive Schools Specialist:

Lead and contribute to initiatives that build equitable, safe, and healthy learning environments. Initial focus areas for the position will include but not be limited to emergency management planning for schools; and educational stability (full access to a consistent public education) for students who are experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or in migrant or military families.

Ongoing work is expected to include the following:

• Work with school districts to build internal capacity to elevate student voice, meet the needs of students, and strengthen partnerships with families and community-based providers - to strengthen students' academic achievement and social-emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being.

• Lead and contribute to related grant program(s), including developing and posting Request for Proposal(s), managing grant reviews and awards processes, and providing training and technical assistance (TA) to grantees and other interested districts.

• Identify, coordinate and work with others on professional development (PD) offerings, including overseeing the contracting process with PD provider(s) and working to align PD with other like offerings.

• Develop communications plans and other resources related to this work to help schools, districts and communities identify and leverage related initiatives and efforts.

• Apply knowledge, skills, strategies and resources to cultivate equity and cultural proficiency and responsiveness at the individual and organizational level; and

• Other duties as assigned.

• Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth will be required, you must have the ability to travel to meetings, professional development opportunities, and to regional and/or national conferences.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:


NOTE: It is not expected that candidates will meet all of the preferred qualifications:

• experience working in and/or with schools or other educational settings during and/or beyond the school day to strengthen students' academic achievement and social-emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being.

• familiarity with the landscape of emergency management planning; and with ways to ensure students enroll, attend and succeed in school - particularly students who are experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or in migrant or military families.

• experience building partnerships between schools and families; and coordinating with community organizations to work with schools and districts related to student success and topics of safety, health, and engagement;

• experience working with culturally diverse groups or populations; demonstrated cultural awareness and proficiency; and ability to learn and build on the varying cultural and community norms of students, families, school districts and other community members through awareness of one's own cultural identity and views about difference;

• ability to work independently and as part of a team;

• ability to work with key stakeholders including but not limited to agency staff, grant applicants, grantees, vendors, contractors, administrators, educators, students, parents and families, and staff of other local and state agencies, and federal organizations;

• strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain professionalism and clear communication when assisting customers/stakeholders of diverse backgrounds and diverse abilities;

• ability to self-reflect and problem-solve;

• ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to diverse audiences; and strong public presentation skills and demonstrated ability to tailor presentation strategies for diverse purposes in multiple environments;

• strong project management skills; and the ability to multi-task, coordinate multiple demands, balance competing priorities, manage time efficiently, and make data-informed decisions;

• ability to plan, coordinate, and administer professional development for adult learners; and

• familiarity with education legislation, policy, programs, and research, particularly in Massachusetts.

Please include a copy of your cover letter and resume with your online submission

** Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien at Maureen.T.O'Brien@Mass.Gov

This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, telecommuting up to three days per week.

Qualifications

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

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

• applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;

• a Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.

• Education toward a degree in a specific or related educational content area 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.

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 .