This position offers some flexibility of office location within the hybrid work model currently being observed.

This is a temporary grant funded position which will expire upon the occurrence of one of the following: the completion of the assigned project, the expiration of the funding source, if impacted by the bumping process, or on or before December 31, 2025, whichever situation occurs first. The employee hired into this position shall not be entitled to bumping or recall rights under the collective bargaining agreement but may be impacted by the bumping process identified in the collective bargaining agreement. The employee hired into this temporary position shall serve a nine (9) month probationary period. Given the limited duration of such position, the parties recognize that any progressive disciplinary imposed may be on a shorter timeline than would otherwise be the case.

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, 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 who are 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 Behavioral Health Support Specialist is responsible for supporting new and existing EEC regulations, requirements and initiatives in the early education and care field. They will monitor grants/contractors/programs using EEC funds.

Responsibilities include:

• Promote quality of services for children with behavior, academic and mental health needs through coordination with local education agencies, community based programs, Head Start, early intervention providers, Early Childhood Mental Health grantees, Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative staff, and other local supports.

• Assist in designing programs to ensure the quality of services for children with behavior, academic and mental health needs in early education and out of school time settings.

• Support coordination of professional development support, including, but not limited to higher education, training, technical assistance, coaching, conferences, and workshops.

• Work closely with local collaborations working to improve equitable local supports to children with special needs.

• Work closely with local collaborations working to improve and reduce suspension and expulsion rates.

• Represent EEC in meetings of local initiatives to support children with behavior, academic and mental health needs in early education and out of school time settings.

• Analyze and propose improvement to systemic efforts to support families in accessing inclusive and high quality early education programs, managing transitions and understanding available services.

• Assist with compiling, analyzing and presenting data and information on, special education, inclusion and transition to inform grants, policies and initiatives, including developing written materials and reports for external partners, the legislature and other stakeholders. Develop written materials including briefs and reports on topics relevant to this work.

• Assist in supporting project development from conceptualization to completion, including managing necessary collaboration with other staff and agencies such as DPH, DMH, DESE and other related state agencies.

• Develop and facilitate presentations to external/internal audiences.

• Participate in EEC policy projects and initiatives as assigned.

• Other related duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

Travel may be required within and outside the Commonwealth.

Questions regarding this position or the application process should be directed to Dawn.E.DeRoche@mass.gov.

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 specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!