AGENCY OVERVIEW:

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is an independent adjudicatory agency within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that conducts impartial, due process hearings for state administrative agencies. DALA provides a neutral forum for individuals and entities exercising their statutory right to appeal decisions made by other Massachusetts state agencies. Through its quasi-judicial functions, DALA ensures fairness, transparency, and consistency in administrative decision-making, safeguarding the procedural rights of appellants while supporting agencies in the lawful administration of their programs.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW & POSITION SUMMARY:

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) conducts due process adjudicatory hearings for numerous Massachusetts state agencies. Through its Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), DALA also conducts mediations and hearings to resolve disputes among parents, school districts, private schools, and state agencies regarding eligibility, evaluations, placement, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), special education services, and procedural protections for students with disabilities.

Mediation at the BSEA:
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential alternative to a due process hearing offered at no cost through the BSEA. When parents and school personnel disagree about the educational needs of a student with disabilities, either party may request mediation.
In mediation, an impartial mediator facilitates discussion to clarify issues and underlying concerns, explore interests, identify options, and support collaboration toward mutually satisfactory agreements. The mediator does not impose a decision. When agreements are reached, the parties work together with the mediator to memorialize the resolution in writing.
This informal and collaborative dispute resolution process promotes respectful communication, strengthens working relationships between families and school districts, and often results in durable, student-centered solutions.
The Mediator implements IDEA mediation programming statewide and serves as a highly visible representative of the Commonwealth. The role requires significant independence, sound judgment, and the ability to manage a substantial caseload in a fast-paced, stakeholder-facing environment.
The Mediator conducts approximately 125 special education mediations and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings annually, manages a caseload of approximately 250 mediation requests/inquiries, provides technical assistance to families and school districts, reports on caseload activity, and presents to relevant groups on BSEA mediation and facilitation practices. Additional duties are assigned as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement IDEA mediation programming for the BSEA.
• Conduct approximately 125 in-person and virtual mediations annually.
• Maintain mediation participation and agreement rates.
• Communicate with stakeholders, including parents, students, school districts, advocates, and attorneys.
• Provide technical assistance to stakeholders regarding special education laws, regulations, and due process options.
• Attend monthly mediator meetings and participate in professional development.
• Manage and maintain a caseload of mediation requests with fidelity and timeliness.
• Conduct special education facilitations and settlement conferences as assigned.
• Coordinate regional participation in BSEA outreach programs.
• Represent the BSEA’s mediation and facilitation programs to stakeholders and professional audiences.
• Annually review and update the Massachusetts Bureau of Special Education Mediation and Mediators manuals.
• Schedule, convene, and conduct mediations and alternative dispute resolution proceedings.
• Facilitate problem solving among participants while maintaining confidentiality.
• Control proceedings to achieve a speedy and meaningful resolution of disputes.
• Prioritize issues to direct mediation proceedings effectively.
• Exhibit neutrality, impartiality, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Promptly respond to inquiries from mediation participants.
• Regularly input case information and data into the BSEA data management system.
• Conduct trainings on special education mediation and facilitation as needed.
• Travel to school districts across the Commonwealth to conduct mediations.
• Perform related duties as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
·Familiarity with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 34 C.F.R. § 300.506.
·Familiarity with Massachusetts Special Education Regulations, 603 C.M.R. 28.00.
·Familiarity with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
·Knowledge of special education team meetings, procedures, and programming.
·Understanding of disabilities and their impact on students’ access to education.
·Trained and experienced mediator consistent with M.G.L. c. 233, § 23C.
·Demonstrated ability to effectively employ and model mediation strategies.
·Experience facilitating meetings and presenting to diverse audiences.
·Experience drafting mediated agreements and settlement documents.
·Collaborative leadership and team-building skills.
·Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.
·Commitment to confidentiality, voluntariness, and ethical mediation standards.
·Openness to feedback and self-reflection.
·Completion of at least 30 hours of mediation training consistent with M.G.L. c. 233, § 23C.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
·Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex legal and educational matters.
·Ability to listen actively, assess complex situations, and facilitate productive dialogue.
·Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
·Ability to maintain accurate and timely case management records.
·Strong analytical and research skills.
·Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a high-volume environment.
·Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
·Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms.
·Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated cultural competence when working with diverse populations.
·Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and integrity.
·Demonstrated strong work ethic and commitment to equitable dispute resolution practices.

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.

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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.