We seek to hire a Fiscal Specialist to work in the Office of Special Education Planning and Policy (SEPP).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Fiscal Specialist (ESC) is responsible for programmatic and fiscal requirements related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

• Understand and explain the laws, regulations, and policies related to the fiscal responsibilities of IDEA funds for State Education Agencies (SEAs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
• Coordinate with management and other fiscal staff to develop document IDEA fiscal protocols, polices, procedures in compliance with IDEA requirements
• Collect, analyze, use, and report IDEA fiscal data to identify trends, make recommendations, and enforce corrective action
• Provide technical assistance and provide feedback to LEAs regarding effective program practice based on fiscal data analysis.
• Collaborate with and adapt to the needs of internal and external stakeholders to oversee assigned activities, determine progress and effectiveness, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Design, conduct and execute meetings and workshops, as required.
• Conduct document requests and reviews, interviews, and site visits if needed, to special education programs to obtain information and monitor fiscal operations and use of funds, ensure compliance with federal and state laws, and communicate findings orally and in writing.
• Develop written materials such as manuals, guidelines, policies and procedures, handbooks, and reports to provide information and clarify federal and state regulations and policies related to special education programs and fiscal requirements.
• Conduct fiscal monitoring of LEA subgrantees related to all IDEA fiscal eligibility requirements, including equitable services and CCEIS.
• Assist in the disbursement of IDEA funds for subgrant programs, maintain accuracy and oversee all grant records, prepare required reports to USED for ongoing monitoring, attend meetings as required.
• Collaborate between the SEPP office and the Center for Administration and Finance (e.g., budget, grants, financial management, and procurement offices) as it relates to special education programs and services and develop bids or proposals to master agreements, request for response (RFRs), request for quote (RFQs), request for proposals (RFPs) by completing all required state forms and documents
• Monitor and communicate with SEPP team members (administrators, program staff, project managers, fiscal support staff) to ensure funding is encumbered, expended, and deadlines are met.
• Review grant proposals, continuation applications, budgets, and budget amendments to ensure program design and fund use complies with IDEA and subgrant program requirements.
• Review LEA End of Year Report (EOYR) submissions.
• Perform other functions as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of IDEA fiscal requirements.
• Experience with IDEA fiscal monitoring or administration of IDEA grants, IDEA equitable services, excess costs, maintenance of effort (MOE), and comprehensive coordinated early intervening services (CCEIS).
• Ability to practice self-reflection and self-correction to solve problems.
• Detail-oriented with strong organization skills and keen attention to detail
• Facility with technology, including the ability to quickly orient knowledge and skills to utilize new applications and tools.
• Proactively apply relevant digital and technological best practices to own work practices, i.e., webinars, web meetings, etc.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
• Professional preparation and experience in public/private fiscal management, auditing, and monitoring related to IDEA funds.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.
• Experience with interpreting data and other documents such as financial reports, accounts, and ledgers, and the ability to analyze and determine the applicability of financial and education data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Ability to travel across the state.

Travel within the Commonwealth, and possibly outside the Commonwealth, may be required for this position.

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

Qualifications

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

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree and at least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional educational experience in a specific or related content area, educational program/or service;

a Master's degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.

Education toward a degree in a specific or related educational content area will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

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!

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. 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.