Counsel I - Western Legal

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a dynamic, service-minded legal professional to fill the role of Counsel I.

The selected candidate must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and will represent DCF in Juvenile and Probate Court, in custody, termination of parental rights, guardianship and adoption cases.

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

• Interpret laws, court decisions and opinions, rules and regulations applicable to the agency.
• Prepare and litigate custody, termination of parental rights and guardianship court cases.
• Prepare petitions, affidavits, memorandum of law, discovery motions, findings of fact and other legal documents for agency court involved cases.
• Prepare opinions and advises clinical agency staff on legal procedures and requirements for agency cases which are pending in the courts.
• Conduct training of agency staff on legal issues pertaining to agency work, litigation processes, changes to law, regulation or policy, or other topics as needed.
• Assist in preparing appellate briefs, orders, opinions, rules and regulations related to the administration and enforcement of laws within the jurisdiction of the agency.

TO APPLY:

Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

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-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. 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 ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!