Counsel

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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 Drivers 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.

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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.

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Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is seeking a Counsel in the Office of the General Counsel!

AGENCY MISSION:

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents. Formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), EOHLC works with municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and development partners to provide affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

The Counsel provides legal services and support to EOHLC staff with a primary focus on housing development, zoning and land use law, and affordable housing. There are 31 employees who work in EOHLC’s Legal Division.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

1.      Provides written and oral legal advice concerning federal, state and local law, regulations, guidelines and EOHLC policy to EOHLC staff, with a focus on housing development, zoning and land use law, and affordable housing.

2.      Drafts and reviews legal documents, legislation, regulations and policy guidance related to EOHLC programs.

3.      Acts as liaison to the Office of the Attorney General in litigation involving EOHLC, preparing documents as necessary.

4.      Development of legal and policy guidance for new initiatives and programs, as needed.

5.      Drafts and reviews a variety of other legal and administrative documents relative to land use law and programs administered by EOHLC including but not limited to housing development and rental assistance programs, Chapter 40A and Chapter 40B.

6.      Drafts and reviews rules, regulations, guidelines, legal opinions and legislation regarding programs administered by EOHLC, particularly housing development and rental assistance programs and programs related to land use and zoning, based on legal research and agency needs, to streamline agency practices, support operational efficiencies and ensure agency compliance with laws.

7.      Participates in training sessions for EOHLC staff, recipients of EOHLC assistance and local officials and represents EOHLC in speaking engagements and panels as necessary.

8.      Participates in inter-agency working groups and negotiations.

9.      Communicates with colleagues from other agencies and collaborates with cross-functional and cross-agency teams and stakeholders to share information, resolve issues, and develop or implement new programs.

10.   Prepares draft rulings, memoranda and decisions for the Housing Appeals Committee.

11.   May conduct adjudicatory hearings pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40B and c. 30A. 

12.   As necessary, responds to requests for information and public records.

13.   Performs other duties as needed, including regulation promulgation, procurement, and analysis and interpretation of statutes, regulations and administrative guidance relating to EOHLC programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS\:

1.      Knowledge of theory, principles and practices of law.

2.      Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and technical report writing.

3.      Ability to read and interpret legal documents and apply the law, rules and regulations governing agency operations.

4.      Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment in making decisions and offering advice.

5.      Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.

6.      Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner.

7.      Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.

8.      Ability to lead or work with cross-functional project teams.

9.      Ability to manage multiple projects and project teams.

10.   Ability to exercise discretion in safeguarding information through compliance with rules of disclosure.

11.   Ability to oversee, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of colleagues, and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and/or evaluations; determining the need for and recommending disciplinary action.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS\:

1.      Good judgment in making decisions and offering advice.

2.      Ability to read and comprehend statutes and regulations and to draft new regulations and amendments to existing regulations.

3.      Ability to research applicable law, and to draft or orally state understandable, succinct and accurate applications of law to everyday factual situations.

4.      Excellent oral and written communication skills.

5.      Experience that evidences excellent analytical skills and pro-active problem-solving skills.

6.      Strong computer knowledge and at least intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

7.      Experience working collaboratively in remote work environment, including knowledge and skills using Microsoft Teams or equivalent platform for video meetings, information sharing and collaboration.

8.      Experience that evidences ability to independently determine specific tasks needed to accomplish an assignment; to prioritize work; to complete assignments in a timely and satisfactory manner; and to carry out multiple assignments simultaneously.

9.      Excellent independent judgment, interpersonal skills and personal integrity.

10.   Knowledge of administrative procedures relating to adjudicatory hearings, deliberations and regulations.

11.   Knowledge of zoning and land use laws and housing development, community development, and rental assistance programs.

12.   Ability to maintain accurate and thorough records and files.

13.   Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential material.

14.   Experience that evidences willingness to exercise initiative and to respond rapidly and responsibly to unanticipated events, issues and/or inquiries.

15.   Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary as part of the regular duties of this position. 

16.   Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license or the equivalent from another state is required.

COMMENTS:

Please upload resume and cover letter.

This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.

Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.