Job Description
About the Organization:
The Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), an agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), protects consumers by making sure the professionals they hire comply with state licensing laws. DOL oversees 26 boards of registration, which license and regulate more than 500,000 individuals and businesses to practice over 100 trades and professions. DOL also licenses and regulates the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI), and the Office of Private Occupational School Education (OS).
The mission of DOL is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by licensing qualified individuals and businesses to provide services to consumers. In addition, it is the duty of the DOL to ensure fair and consistent enforcement of the licensing laws and regulations. DOL seeks to promote consumer protection, a fair and competitive marketplace, and education and outreach.
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The Division of Occupational Licensure is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Division of Occupational Licensure values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
The Division of Occupational Licensure is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.
About the Role:
Working under the supervision of DOL's General Counsel, the Assistant General Counsel for Public Affairs is primarily responsible for management and oversight of the Agency's Public Records Unit, and for responding to subpoenas and other public information requests. In addition, the Assistant General Counsel for Public Affairs provides general legal support to the DOL General Counsel, which may include, but is not limited to: filling in as board counsel or hearings officer for DOL boards or commissions; attending depositions or other legal proceedings involving Agency staff; reviewing and/or drafting legislation affecting DOL; and reviewing or drafting regulations related to DOL programs.
Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)
- Supervise and manage the Public Records Unit. Manage the Public Records Unit and associated staff and serve as the Chief Records Access Officer for the Agency. Ensure full compliance with the public records law and all applicable Executive Orders and Policies relating thereto. Oversee the filing of annual reports with the Secretary of State's office related to public records. Handle all cost estimates, appeals, and other legal or litigation tasks related to the Public Records Unit. Coordinate review of public records requests by other Secretariat legal staff, when requested. Consult with Deputy General Counsel for Boards and Regulations, as necessary.
- Respond to Subpoenas and other Public Information Requests. Receive, process, and respond to all subpoenas served upon the Agency, its programs, or staff members. When necessary, represent the Agency or staff in depositions or related legal proceedings. Respond to other public information requests, including information requests from members of the media or the public. Draft, facilitate the review of, and provide responses, when appropriate, to such requests.
- Train Staff on Public Records Processes. Host training seminars for new hires on a regular basis to train them on public records processes. Create and manage annual internal training on public record processes. Be available to work with and assist staff members in understanding public records questions.
- Assist the General Counsel with Agency or Legal Projects. As requested, assist the General Counsel with various Agency or legal projects. Conduct legal research.Review and/or draft legislation affecting DOL and its board and commissions. Review and/or draft regulations related to DOL programs.
- Serve as Board Counsel and Hearings Officer for selected boards. When requested by the General Counsel, serve as a board counsel for DOL boards or commissions, by providing legal guidance and advice to those entities, and serve as a hearings officer for DOL boards or commissions. Assist relevant managers and administrative staff with various legal issues that arise related to those assignments.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- • Must be in good standing with the Board of Bar Overseers and be a member of the Massachusetts Bar.
- Possess an understanding of MA administrative law, consumer protection laws (state and federal), and a working knowledge of the legislative process in Massachusetts.
- Familiarity with applicable substantive and procedural law, both civil and criminal.
- Excellent and demonstrated communications skills in all areas, both written and oral.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Experience in dealing directly with the public, including both consumers and businesses.
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization, business leaders, legislators and other government officials.
- Strong ability to research and develop solutions for problem areas encountered.
- Ability to complete assignments and reviews within strict timeframes.
- Ability to prioritize responsibilities and successfully manage a multitude of assignments of varying complexity.
- Experience in the principles and practices of management, planning and organization.
- Ability to develop ideas and arguments in a concise and logical sequence.
- Ability to anticipate and analyze difficult situations and take corrective action to prevent problems from occurring.
- Ability to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency or changing statutory and/or regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office Suite and software programs necessary to support the Agency's operations.
- Minimum of five years of trial and litigation experience.
- Minimum of five years of administrative law experience, and knowledge of the State Administrative Procedure Act (GL c. 30A).
- Familiarity with the process of promulgating regulations.
- Ability to interact effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization, business leaders, and government officials.
All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.
Qualifications
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
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.