The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Assistant General Counsel (Counsel II-Central Office). This position provides the opportunity for the successful applicant to engage in public service work in a well-regarded state agency in a hybrid work setting. The Assistant General Counsel will advise DDS on a wide range of public law issues to include promulgation of regulations and regulatory interpretation, representing DDS in administrative appeals and audits, responding to requests for public records, drafting legal memoranda and correspondence, conducting appeals related to the investigation of abuse and mistreatment, managing and supporting litigation, and providing advice to DDS senior managers and operational staff.
The Assistant General Counsel in this position also will work closely with the General Counsel and other DDS attorneys to respond to day-to-day legal issues as they arise.
Duties and Responsibilities (general summary and not all inclusive):
- Provide legal consultation and advice to DDS senior managers and executive and field staff regarding issues relevant to the administration of a public agency
- Maintain a broad knowledge of disability law, Medicaid law, relevant case law and regulations, health care administration, and develop knowledge and understanding of the different services provided by DDS
- Manage and support departmental litigation, including complex public law class actions and legal compliance activities and assist Attorney General’s Office in the preparation of cases in which DDS is a party/interested party
- Provide advice regarding the state administrative procedures act, the Massachusetts tort claims act, the conflict-of-interest law, the public records law, state contracting procedures, and other issues relevant to the administration of a public agency
- Represent DDS at administrative hearings, in court, and at agency and secretariat workgroups and meetings
- Conduct activities related to the promulgation of regulations
- Serve as appeals officer for investigation appeals
- Respond to requests for public records, data, and information; respond to general correspondence and inquiries, conduct legal research, draft legal memoranda, and correspondence, etc.
- Organize/maintain systems to track cases and deadlines, streamline management of work and maintain records
- Travel throughout the state as required
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- Commitment to public service and mission of DDS
- Active member of the Massachusetts Bar or eligible to waive into Massachusetts Bar and at least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the practice of law or in a position requiring membership in the Bar
- Ability to interpret legal opinions, laws, court decisions, rules, regulations, proposed legislation, policies, and administrative rulings and to respond to subpoenas, discovery, document and client file requests, inquiries from oversight agencies, etc.
- Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills; excellent oral and written advocacy skills
- Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to successfully multi-task and prioritize work
- Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
- Possession of a class 3 driver’s license and/or ability to travel statewide as required to attend court or administrative hearings and meetings
Preferred Qualifications:
· Proven track record as a team player
· Experience handling court or administrative hearings
About the Department of Developmental Services:
The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 41,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages over $2.74 billion in public funds ($2.44 operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.
For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds
To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Assistant General Counsel requisition.
Pre-Offer Process:
Criminal history and abuse registry background checks will be completed on the recommended candidate prior to the candidate being offered a position/hiring.
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:
- Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
- Criminal background check (CORI), 101 CMR 15.00, Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori. For more information, click on “Information for Job Applicants”
- National Background Checks, M.G.L. c.19B, § 19 and 115 CMR 12.00, national fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources
Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link, and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.
For questions, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #2.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
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.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.
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.