Licensure Counsel II

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Licensure Counsel II

Firstconsiderationwillbegiventothoseapplicantsthatapplywithinthefirst14days.

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves and where collaboration innovation and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children youth and families thrive socially academically and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

The Legal Office of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) advises the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Commissioner and DESE staff on issues of education law policy and administration; works with the Attorney Generals Office on litigation; and oversees the Office of Professional Practice Investigations (OPPI).The Legal Office works together with all policy units to implement DESEs Educational Vision ( which provides:

Our educational vision document describes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Educations aspiration our vision for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in our 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 Licensure Counsel II position in the Legal Office willjointhe OPPIteam of lawyers and investigators who investigate alleged misconduct byapplicantsfor licensure and licensees Lawyers will

prosecutethesecasesinadministrativeadjudicatoryhearingsnegotiate settlements and carry out other related duties.

The Licensure Counsel reports to the Deputy General Counsel and works closely with the Associate Commissionerof Licensure Counselinvestigatesalleged misconduct bylicensed educators andapplicants for a Massachusetts Educator License; evaluates the evidenceand circumstances ofthe alleged misconduct; preparesmemoranda regardingrelevantfactsapplicablelawanddisciplinaryoptions;andrepresentsEducator

LicensureandOPPIin administrative adjudicatory proceedings before the Commissioner or the Commissioners designee including the Division of Administrative Law Appeals. The Licensure Counsel alsoassistsin providing guidance to school and district leaders in the areas of student protection and educator development consistent withESE regulations andapplicable federal and state laws.

The selected candidate will perform the followingduties:

• in conjunction with theAssociate Commissionerof Investigationsand the OPPI team investigate and evaluate allegations of misconduct by licensed educators;determine whether an investigatory subpoena is necessary;interview witnesses; gather and reviewavailableevidence;research applicable law andconsult with relevant experts; and coordinate with schooldistricts and law enforcement agencies investigatory and prosecutorialstaffoftheAttorneyGeneralandDistrictAttorneysOfficesandinvestigatorsfrom other jurisdictions and agencies relating to educator discipline;

• preparelegalmemorandatotheCommissionerorhisdesigneeoutliningrecommendationstheunderlying reasons for recommendationsthe applicable law and any other relevant details;

• prepare letters to show cause and notices of probablecause;

• represent Educator LicensureOPPI and ESE in adjudicatory hearings before the Commissioner or his designee including the Division of AdministrativeLawAppeals;manage all phases of litigationincludingdeterminingareliable and appropriatelegalbasis andstrategyto be used in bringingcasesto resolution determining whichevidenceandwitnessestopresentat hearing preparing witnesses for testifyingresearching and draftingmotions and other documents related to litigationnegotiating with opposing counseland presentingESEs an informed andcompetentmanner:present the relevant evidence and testimony; effectively advocate; and draft pleadings motions and memoranda;

• collaboratewith colleagues to formulate recommendations for the Commissioner regardingpolicieslegislative changes and regulatory changes;make recommendations concerning best professional practices to protect students and to evaluate and investigate educatormisconduct;

• managecaseloadindependently in an efficient and effective manner appropriately

prioritizingworkandmeeting deadlines;

• meetregularlywithotherLegal Officeand OPPIlegalstaff;

• providerecommendationsonthecourseofactiontobetakenwithregardtolicensure matters to the General Counsel or her designee;

• provideguidanceandtrainingforschooldistrictleadersandothersineducatorconductissues and investigative techniques andassistin developing materials to guide school districts in investigating incidents of misconduct;

• representtheCommissionerandGeneralCounselatstatewideandnationalmeetingsas needed;

• communicate and coordinate as necessary with other agencies including various District AttorneysofficesAttorneyGeneralsOfficeMassachusettsDepartment of Children andFamiliesMassachusettsStatePoliceMassachusettsOffice of Inspector General and Office of State Auditor U.S. Department of Education Inspector Generals Office Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service(IRS);

• performotherdutiesasassignedbytheGeneralCounselorherdesigneeorthe Commissioner; and

• basedonassignmenttravelthroughouttheCommonwealthisrequiredforinvestigative interviews court appearances and other court and investigative matters.

PreferredQualifications

The qualified candidate willpossess:

• three (3) or more years of experience practicinglaw

• excellent analytical legal research and writingskills;

• successfulexperienceinthepracticeoflawincludingexperiencewith some orall ofthe following:administrative adjudicatory hearings prosecuting and trying criminal cases and license revocation cases;

• stronginterpersonalskillsincludingabilitytoestablishrapportmotivate andmaintainpositive and productive relationships with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds;

• ability to understand apply and explain the provisions of the laws rules regulationspoliciesproceduresspecificationsstandardsandguidelines governing educator misconduct investigations;

• abilitytoprocessandassimilatedetailedfactualinformationpresented orally or in writing;

• abilitytounderstandthecontextforandimplicationsofindividual licensure matter and exercise sound judgment;

• excellent communication skills orally and in writing including ability to writeandpresentcleardetailedreportsandinvestigativedocumentation asrequired;

• ability to strategize and work withothers to solveproblems;

• ability to handle matters with mature judgment anddiscretion;

• strongorganizationalskillsincludingabilitytomanagecomplextasksand meet deadlines;

• abilitytoworkwithconfidentialinformationandmaintainthehighest level of confidentiality;

• abilitytoeffectivelymanagecaseloadoflicensuremattersincluding compliance with statutory and regulatory provisions while balancing multiple and competing priorities;

• knowledgeofstateandfederaleducationlawsandtheculture organizationandstructuresofpublicschoolsanddistricts;and

• strong computer skills and fluency with Microsoft Word andExcel.

Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application.

Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen OBrien @

This is a hybrid full-time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett MA. This position is currently expected to work in-person two days per week increasing to three assigned days per week in-person beginning August 31 2026. Travel around Massachusetts may also be required.

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

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 specificsExplore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action 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 dont meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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