What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Regional Counsel - Central Legal position at Dept of Children and Families?
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking an experienced legal professional, and Member of the Massachusetts Bar Association to fill the role of Deputy Regional Counsel. Reporting to the DCF Regional Counsel the selected candidate will oversee all related legal activities of the region and supervise Assistant Regional Counsels.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all Inclusive):
- Assist Regional Counsel with coordinating and supervising the legal activities of Legal Region.
- Assist Regional Counsel in assuming the timely completion of trial court and appellate cases, through both direct litigation and supervision of Assistant Regional Counsel.
- Act as the liaison between the areas, the region and central office in matters pertaining to legal issues to ensure effective communication between clinical and legal staff.
- Act as the liaison with Juvenile and Probate and Family Courts as well as the Defense Bar concerning agency litigation and staff.
- Provide technical assistance to Regional and Area office staff regarding interpretation and implementation of Massachusetts General Laws, Massachusetts Regulations, and Department policy.
- Develop, establish, and implement systems and procedures for effective law office management which includes the use of available management reports.
- Provide in-service training on legal issues to Regional and Area Office staff in the areas of child welfare law, privacy, confidentiality, access to records, court rules and procedures, and other related areas.
- Represent the Department in Juvenile, Probate and Superior Court regarding Department records or other litigation matters.
- Provide supervision to the legal staff and assist in framing litigation issues.
- Participate in recruitment and hiring of legal staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Thorough knowledge of the laws of the Commonwealth and of Federal laws.
- Ability to supervise the legal operations of a DCF Region utilizing effective law office management principles and techniques.
- Thorough knowledge of the laws and regulations governing DCF.
- Ability to supervise the legal activities of staff attorneys.
- Ability to direct legal research and the preparation of reports thereon.
- Ability to direct the preparation and trial of complex court cases, direct hearings and pass on recommendations, and to confer with judicial officials.
- Ability to file answers, prepare briefs, effect settlement, prepare instrumental documents, and plan Department legal activities.
- Ability to interact effectively with people.
- Ability to identify and resolve issues as necessary and appropriate.
To Apply:
Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying.
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 and tax history 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."
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
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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