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 Deputy General Counsel for Enforcement is primarily responsible for management and oversight of: the Office of Prosecutions, which houses the prosecutors who prosecute all manner of disciplinary actions falling under the enforcement wing of the agency and the Office of Hearings, which houses the agency's Hearings Officers who issue rulings and decisions on behalf of DOL advisory councils, boards, commissions, divisions in accordance with G.L. c. 30A and 801 CMR. The Deputy General Counsel for Enforcement also provides general legal support to the DOL General Counsel, which may include, but is not limited to: drafting contracts and memorandums of understanding; appearing in court for the agency, or attending depositions or other legal proceedings involving agency staff; reviewing and/or drafting legislation affecting DOL; reviewing or drafting regulations related to DOL programs; coordinating with regulators in other states or in other agencies of state and federal government on enforcement actions when appropriate or required.
Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)
- Supervise and manage Hearings Officers, paralegals, interns and other support staff: Identify and address procedural and substantive issues that are common to Hearings Officers. Coordinate with the Deputy General Counsel for Boards and Regulations to align the hearings and enforcement procedures for both DOL and the OPSI Boards. Work with General Counsel to prepare internal policies to govern the activities of the Hearings Officers; train, supervise and review work of all Hearings Officers to ensure appropriate standards of review are being applied in a consistent manner. Review all proposed regulations, policies, guidelines and acts of DOL, the DOL and OPSI Boards, to ensure they comply with all applicable Executive Orders, and G.L. c 30A.
- Formulate, implement and evaluate protocols and procedures relative to prosecution and case management of enforcement cases for the DOL: Oversee the management of the Office of Prosecutions. Collaborate with the Chief of Prosecutions and the Office of Investigations to identify ongoing issues, applicable policies and appropriate dispositions. Coordinate with Deputy General Counsel for Boards and Regulations and the Chief of Prosecutions to align the hearings and enforcement procedures for both DOL and the OPSI Boards. Create a policy for tracking cases to promote their prompt and effective resolution for all units within the DOL. Establish protocols for prosecutions and enforcement activities as well as case handling and case management. Ensure consistent application of agency policy and quality of work product. Work with the Chief of Prosecutions to train, supervise, and review work of prosecutors and administrative staff to ensure that all relevant information is shared with staff at all levels as appropriate.
- Direct Prosecuting Attorneys and Hearings Officers in the handling and prosecution of disciplinary cases: Coordinate and interact with other departments on enforcement matters, including investigations and prosecutions. Coordinate with General Counsel on policies and trainings for Hearings Officers and Prosecutors. Document, review and develop rubrics and step-up recommendations for specific action to create uniformity in discipline and enforcement.
- Coordinate and interact with other state and federal agencies on enforcement matters: Serve as agency liaison with other jurisdictions' regulators on such matters. Develop efficient enforcement strategies and exchange information to reduce duplication and enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must be a lawyer licensed in Massachusetts with a deep understanding of MA administrative law, consumer protection laws (state and federal), and a working knowledge of the legislative process in Massachusetts.
- Admission to the Massachusetts bar, in good standing.
- 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 six years of trial and litigation experience.
- Minimum of six years of administrative law experience, and knowledge of the State Administrative Procedure Act (GL c.30A).
- Must have the ability to travel throughout the Commonwealth to attend meetings, trainings, and other events as assigned.
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) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a 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 or higher 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.