Assistant Director of Human Rights
Job Description
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is accepting applications for the Assistant Director of Human Rights. This is a senior leadership position that advances the Commonwealth's commitment to safeguarding the human and civil rights of children, youth, and young adults receiving behavioral health services. In close collaboration with the Director of Human Rights, this role ensures that statewide policies, procedures, and practices across inpatient and community-based programs align with regulatory standards and support culturally responsive, person-centered, and recovery-oriented care. The position holds significant influence in shaping system-wide approaches, providing strategic guidance, policy interpretation, and oversight to ensure that human rights principles are fully integrated into all aspects of service delivery.
This position is well-suited for an experienced professional with a strong foundation in behavioral health, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership. The Assistant Director will engage regularly with executive leadership, legal counsel, clinical teams, and external partners to address complex and sensitive issues, strengthen accountability, and promote continuous quality improvement. Success in this role requires exceptional analytical and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate competing priorities while maintaining a steadfast commitment to equity, ethical practice, and the protection of vulnerable populations across a large and dynamic public service system.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
• Provide statewide oversight to ensure integration and compliance with human rights statutes, regulations, and policies across all Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) inpatient and community-based programs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, including CYF Directors, Chief Operating Officers, and clinical leaders, to align policies and practices with the Department's mission and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and support Human Rights Officers, including performance management, training, and ongoing technical guidance on complex human rights issues and complaints.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and supervision of Human Rights interns, including development of structured learning experiences and project oversight.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators by analyzing complaint, restraint, and seclusion data to identify trends and drive system-wide improvements.
• Design, develop, and deliver comprehensive human rights training programs and educational materials for staff, providers, and stakeholders statewide.
• Facilitate regular meetings and educational sessions with youth, providers, and Human Rights staff to promote awareness, compliance, and best practices.
• Partner with internal stakeholders, including Legal and Investigations, to address regulatory concerns, review complaints, and develop corrective action strategies.
• Participate in advisory committees, workgroups, and strategic initiatives to inform policy development, enhance oversight, and support continuous quality improvement.
• Assist in the overall management and strategic direction of the Office of Human Rights, including project management, policy implementation, and operational oversight of daily activities.
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree in social work, psychology, public health, public administration, law, or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience in behavioral health systems, including inpatient and community-based services for children and adolescents.
• Demonstrated knowledge of human rights regulations, legal frameworks, and advocacy practices within public-sector or healthcare environments.
• Proven leadership experience supervising professional staff and managing complex, multi-site programs or initiatives.
• Strong background in policy development, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement within a large organization.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and drive system improvements.
• Skilled in developing and delivering training programs for diverse audiences, including clinical, administrative, and provider staff.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with executive leadership, legal teams, and external stakeholders to resolve complex issues.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, particularly in sensitive or high-stakes situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, cultural competence, and trauma-informed, person-centered care.
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DMH Mission Statement:
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.
Pre-Offer Process:
A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.
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 Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
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
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
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.
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Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
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.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program