DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

HIGHER EDUCATION & EDUCATOR SUPPORT SYSTEMS

-LIMITED PERIOD POSITION-

TELEWORK AVAILABLEUPON MANAGEMENT APPROVAL

Opening Date: October 4, 2024

Closing Date:  October 31, 2024

Job Class Code: 3060
Grade: 26
Salary: $56,264.00 - $83,761.60/Annually
Position Number: 014001146

Purpose:

The Maine DOE is adding a Certification Specialist to our Certification Team! This role is built to recognize the importance of certification guidelines and workforce development to ensure Maine schools are staffed with qualified educators. This is a great role for someone who is passionate about education and has the ability to provide exemplary customer service. The ideal candidate will be educator-focused, detail-oriented, comfortable working within an online platform, and looking to add to the fun energy of this supportive team. As a member of the multifaceted Office of Higher Education & Educator Support Services, this position will support educators’ professional goals and aid in the expansion of Maine’s education workforce. The day-to-day work includes reviewing transcripts/applications, guiding educators on next steps toward certification, engaging in direct customer service with the field, and engaging in other activities of the Office.

This position supports educators throughout the state by answering questions via phones and email, evaluating applications, and working closely with applicants to understand what they qualify for and how they can qualify for higher level certificates. The Education Specialist III on the certification team implements certification regulations throughout the education field.  This position also processes educator applications in order to issue credentials and assist educators with knowing how to obtain the next highest level of certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of statutes and rules regarding educator certification, authorization and approval.
• Knowledge of state eligibility requirements relating to criminal history information.
• Knowledge of teacher preparation strategies and requirements.
• Ability to analyze and apply data to inform education staff of application process.
• Ability to implement program goals, objectives and work activities to ensure effective, efficient and standardized performance.
• Ability to interpret and apply statute and rule regarding educator certification, authorization, and approvals.
• Ability to provide effective technical assistance.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and to work collaboratively in a team environment, and with other organizations and institutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and with written correspondence.
• Ability to organize and prioritize a large volume of work, with multiple tasks and responsibilities, in a busy environment.
• Ability to apply discretion and judgment and maintain confidentiality requirements in conveying information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelors Degree in Education or required specialty/substance area and four (4) years professional level experience in required specialty/subject area. A Masters Degree in Education or required specialty/subject area may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to candidates who are familiar with state regulations, specifically with knowledge of Title 20-A Maine Revised Statute, and Chapter 115. Additional preference will be given to candidates with reviewing higher education transcripts.

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 13.29% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. 

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.