BSEA Hearing Officer

Schedule: Full-time Shift: Day Number of Openings: 1The 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. The Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) provides a comprehensive range of dispute resolution services related to eligibility, evaluation, placement, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), special education services, and procedural protections for students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law. BSEA services include mediations, due process hearings, settlement conferences, and facilitation of IEP team meetings. Parties to these proceedings may include parents, students, school districts, private schools, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and other state agencies. The BSEA Hearing Officer position requires independence, sound judgment, strong organizational and analytical skills, legal research and writing proficiency, and the ability to maintain neutrality and professional demeanor in often highly emotional disputes. The Hearing Officer is a visible representative of the Commonwealth, entrusted with ensuring all parties a fair, impartial, and timely resolution of their disputes.

Key Responsibilities: Manage a full caseload of due process hearing requests assigned by the Bureau Director. Oversee pre-hearing matters and schedule adjudicatory hearings in compliance with applicable statutes, rules, and regulations. Conduct hearings, rule on motions, manage proceedings, and ensure hearings are conducted fairly, impartially, and efficiently. Issue substantive and procedural orders, including written decisions with detailed findings of fact supported by the hearing record and correct application of relevant state and federal law. Rule on post-hearing compliance motions. Report statistical data relating to caseload and case management. Conduct settlement conferences as directed by the BSEA Director. Participate in training sessions for constituent groups and the legal community. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director. Maintain compliance with ethical standards of the Bar, agency, and Commonwealth.

Qualifications: 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 Driver's License at a Class level specific to assignment. 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.