Job Description
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a dynamic professional to join the Office of the General Counsel as Assistant General Counsel, Program Attorney. This selected candidate will Serve as legal counsel on regulatory, contractual, and other compliance issues for various Department programs, including maternal and child health and chronic disease prevention.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Provide legal advice to assigned DPH programs.
- Draft and review legislation and regulations.
- Conduct legal research and draft memoranda.
- Coordinate legal support for enforcement activities.
- Provide advice about compliance with state and federal law.
- Assist with public record requests, subpoenas and court orders.
- Identify potential privacy concerns and confidentiality obligations and safeguard confidential information.
- Consult with DPH Privacy and Data Compliance Office where appropriate.
- Participate in professional development programs to hone professional competence.
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Required Qualifications:
- Understanding of the theory, principles, and practices of law.
- Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and technical report writing.
- Ability to read and interpret legal documents and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and exercise discretion in safeguarding confidential information.
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Proficient with videoconferencing platforms including WebEx, Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of theory, principles, and practices of law.
- Understanding of procedures followed in courtroom and administrative proceedings.
- Knowledge of the methods and ability to conduct legal research and technical report writing.
- Ability to read and interpret legal documents and apply the law, rules and regulations governing agency operations.
- Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.
- Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to use a computer to conduct research, manage databases, and produce written documents.
About the Department of Public Health:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high-quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.
We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance use disorder, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offers services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities, and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages, and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.
More information can be found atMA Department of Public Health
Pre-Hire 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. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
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 Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
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
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 some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.
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.