Mediator

About the Agency

The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) is an independent adjudicatory agency within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It conducts impartial, due process hearings for state administrative agencies, providing 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.

About the Role

Within DALA, the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) 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.

This Mediator role serves as a highly visible representative of the Commonwealth, implementing IDEA mediation programming statewide. The position requires significant independence and sound judgment to manage a substantial caseload in a fast-paced, stakeholder-facing environment. You will facilitate discussions to clarify issues and underlying concerns, explore interests, and support collaboration toward mutually satisfactory agreements without imposing a decision. 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.

In this capacity, you will conduct approximately 125 special education mediations and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings annually, manage a caseload of approximately 250 mediation requests and inquiries, and provide technical assistance to families and school districts. The role also involves presenting to relevant groups on BSEA mediation and facilitation practices, coordinating regional participation in outreach programs, and representing the BSEA's programs to stakeholders and professional audiences. You will travel to school districts across the Commonwealth to conduct mediations and work to control proceedings to achieve speedy and meaningful resolutions of disputes.

Hiring Process

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. To apply, please visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts job portal. For users relying on screen readers, specific JAWS-compatible application links are available on the job posting page.

Equal Opportunity & Culture

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. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.