The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking an Assistant General Counsel (Counsel II) for its Central West region based in our Springfield office. This is an excellent opportunity for attorneys looking to take on meaningful, hands on legal work in a collaborative, mission-driven public sector environment. Assistant General Counsels (AGCs) play a key role in advancing DDS ' s mission by providing practical, solutions oriented legal advice on a broad range of matters, including Probate and Family Court proceedings, benefits eligibility, service delivery, privacy and records, protective services, tort liability, and agency regulations and policy. This Counsel II position would provide legal advice and services to agency staff and represent the Department in Probate and Family Courts throughout the state in a variety of matters including petitions for guardianship, substituted judgment and Rogers reviews, and protective services. Counsel would also provide legal advice to General Counsel and agency senior staff on a variety of public law issues; represent the agency in administrative appeals and audits; manage and support agency litigation; respond to requests for public records; and draft regulations, legal memoranda and correspondence as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)
Provide legal consultation and advice to the Department’s senior managers, Regional and Area Directors, and field staff regarding issues relevant to the administration of a public agency.
Handle guardianship and protective services cases for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injuries.
Prepare legal memoranda, petitions, motions, reports, opinions, letters, etc.
Represent the Agency in matters before courts and administrative tribunals; conduct all pre-hearing/trial preparation, discovery, etc., present evidence and oral argument in support of the Department’s position.
Conduct investigations and participate in informal hearings on matters affecting the Agency.
Assist the Attorney General’s Office in the preparation of cases in which the Agency is an interested party.
Exercise direct supervision of paralegal and/or administrative personnel, as assigned.
Perform other legal tasks as may be assigned from time to time by the General Counsel.
Travel throughout the state as required.
Required Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar or eligible for admission by motion, and at least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience in the practice of law.
Excellent oral and written advocacy skills.
Excellent analytical skills.
Good judgment.
Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules, and regulations governing the Department and to explain laws and legal proceedings clearly to both internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to establish rapport, interact with, and maintain professional working relationships with others.
Ability to conduct effective oral presentations at hearings, trainings, etc.
Ability to thoroughly research assigned topics of law and effectively analyze relevant statutory and regulatory provisions.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supervising others, especially direct supervision of lawyer or paralegal.
Trial experience.
Experience with guardianship and probate law a plus.
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 including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2. 7B+ 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
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppcabuser-registry
Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.
For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.
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 are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
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.
An Equal Opportunity / Afftdicated 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.
