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Appeals Counsel II

Department of Children & Families See More Job Openings by This Employer

Full Time

Boston, MA

December 23, 2024 Attorney

Job Description

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 the 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.

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.

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System Requirements

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a mission-driven, highly organized problem solver to fill the role of Counsel II. This position acts as a lawyer for the Massachusetts Child Welfare Agency. Represents the agency in Appellate Courts, Superior Court on Administrative appeal cases before administrative agencies such as the MCAD or Board of Registration and performs related work of a general counsel’s office.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):

Represents the agency in the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court on appeals from interlocutory and final judgments in custody, termination of parental rights, Child in Need of Services, and guardianship cases. This includes writing the appellate brief, responding to appellate motions, and appearing at oral argument.
Represents the agency in various types of litigation, including MCAD cases, Social Work licensing cases, Chapter 30A cases, and guardianships of incapacitated court cases.
Advises agency staff in the areas of contracts, administrative law, procurement, discrimination, employment matters, confidentiality and public records, budget, legislation, and agency policy.
Drafts and promulgates agency regulations and policy.
Prepares and litigates custody, termination of parental rights, and guardianship court cases.
Acts as liaison to the Attorney General’s Office in litigation against the agency, including responding to discovery and assisting in settlement negotiations.
Conducts legal research on matters relating to agency functions; prepares related reports and memoranda, including investigation and analysis of potential tort claims against the agency. Interprets laws, court decisions and opinions, rules, and regulations applicable to the agency.
Conducts training of agency staff on legal issues pertaining to agency work, litigation processes, changes to law, regulation, or policy, or other topics as needed.
Provides any other legal assistance at the direction of the general counsel or designee.

Required Qualifications:

Thorough knowledge of the laws, cases, and regulations governing the functions of the department.
Ability to interpret legal opinions, laws, court decisions, rules, regulations, proposed legislation, and administrative rulings.
Ability to draft orders, findings of fact, conclusions of law.
Considerable knowledge of the laws of the Commonwealth and related Federal laws.
Ability to litigate court cases and to conduct court hearings.
Ability to advise department officials, employees, and the public on legal procedures.
Ability to write briefs and conduct appellate oral arguments.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficient in governing the functions of the child welfare agency.
Knowledge of the laws of the Commonwealth and Federal laws, including special education law.
Excellent communication skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner.
Experience in the areas of appellate litigation, procurement, and contracts.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage relationships both internally and externally.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.

About the Department of Children and Families:

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care, and education.

DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency, and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary; safely reunifying families; and, when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship, or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values\: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and 6) committed to continuous learning.

For more information about our agency and programs, visit www.mass.gov/dcf.

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http\://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

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.

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 Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option 4.

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