BSEA Hearing Officer

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Malden (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks a Hearing Officer - Counsel II within the Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA), Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) in Malden. You will handle due process hearings, draft detailed decisions, and coordinate pre-hearing matters while upholding due process and neutrality.

Ideal candidates have JD, Massachusetts Bar admission, and strong legal writing/research skills, with experience in hearings or civil litigation, and a focus on special

Qualifications

• Administrative hearing and/or civil litigation trial experience preferred.
• Experience in special education law is preferred.
• Excellent legal writing ability, demonstrated through a sample legal brief or memorandum.
• Proficiency with legal research using automated research tools.

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.

Skills

Administrative hearing experience

Hearing experience

Legal writing

Legal research

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Massachusetts Bar admission

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Official Title\: Hearing Officer - Counsel II
Primary Location\: United States-Massachusetts-Malden-14 Summer Street
Job\: Legal Services
Agency\: Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA)
Schedule\: Full-time
Shift\: Day
Number of Openings\: 1
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 adjudicatory hearings for other Massachusetts state agencies. Within DALA, 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

• Administrative hearing and/or civil litigation trial experience preferred.
• Experience in special education law is preferred.
• Excellent legal writing ability, demonstrated through a sample legal brief or memorandum.
• Facility in performing legal research using automated research tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong analytical and legal reasoning skills.
• Ability to conduct hearings in a fair, impartial, and efficient manner.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a high-volume caseload under time constraints.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and the ability to produce professional written decisions with limited administrative assistance.

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.

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.

An Equal Opportunity / Aff

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.