Counsel II - Metro Region - Boston -

Child Support Services Division

Counsel II

Metro Region - Boston Location

The Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Child Support Services Division seeks an attorney for a Counsel II position assigned to the Metro Regional Office located in Boston.

DOR/CSS utilizes a hybrid work model where employees work both in-office and remotely, depending on operational needs. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate work environment for telework, including but not limited to, connectivity, and resource access to conduct their job duties while remote. Candidates will be required to travel to offices where they have direct reports to meet with and/or supervise their staff. Candidates must be able to supervise and be supervised remotely and must be able to work effectively in an isolated setting. Candidates must be organized, highly disciplined, conscientious, motivated, and committed to utilizing identified tools for successfully performing in a remote setting. Candidates must be available to travel to their officially designated work location with as little notice as the same workday should an exigent circumstance arise.

Duties:

• Manages a high-volume litigation caseload by assessing, processing, and litigating cases; by handling, or providing guidance in handling cases presenting more complex legal issues or situations in order to establish legal parentage; establish, modify, and enforce orders for child support, health insurance; and by handling contested litigation.

• Provides direction and guidance by coordinating and assigning work, measuring progress toward agency goals; evaluating worker performance; assessing staff training needs and by evaluating unit effectiveness, service delivery and team collaboration in order to provide leadership to reporting staff.

• Review agency virtual case files prior to drafting and filing (including efiling) complaints or other pleadings, and obtain additional information, as needed.

• Provides high-quality customer service by contacting customers, attorneys, employers and other stakeholders to request and obtain additional information, as needed, in furtherance of the child support case.

• Prepare for virtual case conferencing sessions and virtual court hearings: including conferring with staff to obtain necessary case information and documents; perform necessary legal research and analysis; prepare case summaries; and organize case information.

• Appear at virtual case conferencing sessions and virtual and/or in person court hearings held at Probate and Family Court to establish legal parentage; establish, modify and enforce orders for child support and health insurance; address customer issues and represent DOR in complex or contested litigation or other matters before the Court.

• Review case inventory on a regular and consistent basis to control inventory and minimize backlogs; and refer cases to appropriate staff when legal action is not pursuable.

• Report to supervisor concerning backlogs, including identifying problem cases, proposed solutions; and developing strategies to eliminate backlogs.

• Update CSS case management system (COMETS HD) and other case tracking systems with actions taken in a timely manner. Case and participant actions are recorded in the case chronology with the appropriate level of detail.

• Advocate DOR's interests in a legally sound manner by correctly interpreting and applying state and federal laws, statutes and regulations regarding child support enforcement, and agency policies.

• Supports agency efforts to promote safer child support enforcement by communicating with customers, CSE staff, and external service providers regarding agency policies, procedures, and services to ensure customer safety issues are managed according to established policy and procedures.

• Determine the best means to inform customers concerning what actions the agency will or will not take on their cases, risks (including physical or emotional risks related to domestic violence/family safety), time frames, and what actions the customer needs to take to cooperate with the agency.

• Identify means to resolve disputes between customers and the agency.

• Serve as in-house CSS counsel by responding to inquiries from internal and external CSS customers, including, but not limited to, providing legal case consultation to CSS managers and staff and other CSS attorneys; informing judges, private counsel, and other customers of DOR policy and procedures; and delivering quality legal services to CSS litigants.

• Treat litigants with dignity and respect at all times; and handle confrontation in a professional manner.

• Participate in training and professional development opportunities.

• Participate in workgroups and special projects.

Qualifications

• Member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of law
• Knowledge of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative proceedings.
• Experience in family law/domestic relations.
• Proficient in legal research and writing.
• Ability to read and interpret legal documents, and apply the law, rules and regulations governing operations.
• Strong research and oral advocacy skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment, and handle confidential assignments.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to convey information and explain actions to customers with varying expectations, needs, cultures, and languages.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in high volume office and court environments.
• Computer literacy in web-based applications and software.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment.
• Ability to attend statewide trainings/meetings at various locations

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.

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.