Assistant General Counsel
Job Description
The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.
The Assistant General Counsel works under the supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and works closely with all divisions of the agency (e.g., quality, financial assistance access, workforce development, administration and finance and licensing) to facilitate the general business activity of the agency and ensure compliance with governing laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. The incumbent performs legal work, as assigned, on issues regarding the licensing and regulation of child care facilities, including residential programs for children, and adoption and foster care placement agencies.
The Assistant General Counsel assists the Deputy General Counsel in researching, drafting and implementing agency policy, procedures and regulations. They provide legal support to the agency in purchasing and administering subsidized child care through contract and grant drafting, interpretation and enforcement. They represent the agency in both internal and external meetings and administrative hearings and other hearings, including licensing and contract enforcement hearings in superior court. They provide labor management and negotiation support, as assigned, and provide information to the public on agency regulations, functions, and public documents. This position may assist in supervising legal interns and provides supervisory, legal and other support to help the agency process over 90,000 background record checks of licensed providers per year.
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Key Responsibilities:
Researches and drafts regulations, policies and procedures for implementation
Confers with and advises the General Counsel and other senior staff members
Drafts child care administrative, legal and policy documents
Performs legal related duties such as issuing correspondence and reports
Consults with other legal counsel and state agency officials
Represents the agency in court or at administrative hearings; determines legal strategy to be used; evaluates, negotiates, and, where appropriate, settles, mediates or litigates issues as they arise
Advises licensing program staff on legal matters relevant to licensing of child care facilities; conducts legal research and drafts opinions on matters relating to agency functions and laws within the jurisdiction of the agency
Drafts, interprets and enforces contracts, related laws and policies pertaining to the procurement and administration of subsidized child care
Interprets laws, court decisions and opinions, rules and regulations applicable to the agency; drafts opinions thereon; advises agency employees of legal procedures involved in their operations; ensures that agency activities comply with applicable laws
Drafts proposed legislation and regulations; studies and interprets the effects of legislation on agency functions; drafts testimony and other materials for presentation at legislative hearings as assigned
Provides information and determines what agency documents to release in response to public records requests
Provides legal support to the agency's Background Record Check unit
Other duties as assigned
Preferred Qualifications:
Exceptional ability to communicate well both orally and in writing
Knowledge of the procedures followed in administrative law hearing conferences and courtroom proceedings
Ability to independently try court cases and to conduct hearings
Knowledge of legal research methods and procedure
Knowledge of state and federal laws
Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of law.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to deal tactfully with others and build team relationships.
Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing requirements.
Excellent research skills
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 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.
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