Duties:
The Assistant General Counsel works under the supervision of the General Counsel and works closely with all units of the agency (e.g., Financial Assistance Access, Workforce Development, Administration and Finance, and Licensing) to facilitate the general business activity of the agency and ensure compliance with governing laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. The incumbent performs legal work, as assigned, on issues regarding the licensing of child care facilities, including residential programs for children, and adoption and foster care placement agencies. Assists the General Counsel in researching, drafting, and implementing agency policy, procedures and regulations. Provides legal support to the agency in purchasing and administering subsidized child care through contract and grant drafting, interpretation and enforcement. Represents the agency in both internal and external meetings and administrative hearings and other hearings. Provides labor management and negotiation support, as assigned. Provides information to the public on agency regulations, functions, and public documents. Excellent writing, research and communication skills required. Performs other duties as required.
Duties Include:
1. Researches and drafts regulations, policies and procedures for implementation.
2. Drafts administrative, legal and policy documents.
3. Performs legal related duties such as issuing correspondence and reports.
4. Represents the agency in court or at administrative hearings; determines legal strategy to be used; evaluates, negotiates and, where appropriate settles, mediates or litigates issues as they arise, under the supervision of General Counsel.
5. Advises licensing program staff on legal matters relevant to licensing of child care facilities; conducts legal research and drafts opinions on matters relating to agency functions and laws within the jurisdiction of the agency.
6. Drafts, interprets and enforces contracts, related laws and policies pertaining to the procurement and administration of subsidized child care.
7. Interprets laws, court decisions and opinions, rules and regulations applicable to the agency; drafts opinions thereon; advises agency employees of legal procedures involved in their operations; ensures that agency activities comply with applicable laws.
8. Studies and interprets the effects of legislation on agency functions.
9. Provides information and determines what agency documents to release in response to public records requests.
10. Provides labor management and negotiation support.
Qualifications:
I. Membership in the Massachusetts Bar.
II. Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License may be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of the theory, principals and practices of law.
2. Knowledge of the procedures followed in hearing conferences and courtroom proceedings.
3. Knowledge of legal research methods and procedure.
4. Knowledge of state and federal laws.
5. Ability to try court cases and to conduct hearings.
6. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
7. Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing.
8. Strong interpersonal skills, ability to deal tactfully with others and build team relationships.
9. Excellent writing, research and communication skills
10. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
11. Knowledge of administrative law and early education and care programs helpful
12. Prior legal experience in at least one of the following substantive areas is preferred: contracts; litigation; or employment matters.
Membership in the Massachusetts Bar and based on assignment, travel may be required. Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License or equivalent from another state.
Comments:
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is an agency that represents an exciting opportunity to build a new, coordinated, comprehensive system of early education and care in Massachusetts.
The services that EEC provides to the children and families of the Commonwealth can be divided into the following three main categories:
1. Information and referral services for all families in Massachusetts, including parenting information, and resource and referral services for early education, child care and after school opportunities to the families of approximately 1 million children under the age of 13.
2. Licensing, regulation, and comprehensive quality improvement support for all child care providers, serving approximately 250,000 children daily.
3. Financial assistance to help low-income families pay for child care and early education. EEC provides subsidies on a sliding fee scale basis for approximately 50,000 children
How To Apply: Send your resume and cover letter by mail, please send to:
Department of Early Education and Care
51 Sleeper Street, 4th floor
Boston, MA 02210
Attn: Frank Corsino
Please reference the posting ID # on all correspondence.
Agency Web Address:
Diversity Officer:
Ms. Sarah Harding, (617) 988-6604