What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant General Counsel position at Department of Transitional Assistance?

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant General Counsel. Our ideal candidate will advise agency staff on legal matters and represent DTA in court and at administrative hearings. DTA attracts people passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities

these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive) :

Advises agency staff on privacy, security, and confidentiality issues.
Assists in public procurements, including advising the selection board on procurement law, and reviewing and drafting requests for proposals, agency contracts and interagency agreements.
Interpret laws, rules, regulations, and quasi-judicial decisions and opinions related to DTA operations.
Confers with other agency staff in drafting proposed regulations and legislation for submission to the Legislature and analyzes proposed legislation to determine its impact on agency activities.
Conducts legal research and drafts legal opinions.
Responds to requests made to DTA pursuant to the Public Records Law and the Fair Information Practices Act.
Represents and provides legal support to DTA and its personnel in civil litigation, court, administrative hearings, employment related hearings, and depositions as assigned.
Liaise with the Office of the Attorney General on major class action litigation and appeals, as assigned.
One to two in person days a week, with at least one of those days in the Boston office location.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of law including constitutional law and administrative law.

Knowledge of the procedures followed in courtroom proceedings.

Knowledge of the methods of technical and general report writing.

Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.

Knowledge of interview and investigation techniques.

Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions, and contracts.

Ability to understand, apply, and explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, guidelines, and policies governing agency operations and assigned unit activities.

Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of legal data, to draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Ability to write clearly and persuasively.

Ability to effectively investigate legal issues in a timely manner.

Ability to time manage and prioritize tasks.

Ability to manage and maintain personal case load.

Comfort working in a virtual office environment, such as the ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent research, writing, and oral skills, and the ability to handle complex legal issues are essential.

Ability to work well with other attorneys, program administrators, and other staff.

Knowledge of federal and state welfare programs and administrative law.

Experience working with data and privacy law, contract drafting and review, and procurement law.

Knowledge of Massachusetts Conflict-of-Interest law.

Agency Mission

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is the state agency responsible for administering public assistance programs to low-income residents of the Commonwealth. DTA is committed to providing a high level of service to all those in need. The mission of the Department is to assist and empower low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one out of every seven people in Massachusetts – including working families, children, elders, and people with disabilities. Our services include food and nutritional assistance, economic assistance, and employment supports.

Pre-Offer 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. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

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.

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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