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 Schools.

　　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.

　　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 Boards & Regulations ("Deputy General Counsel") is primarily responsible for management and oversight of: the DOL Office of Board Counsel, which houses board counsels who provide legal advice and counsel to DOL and OPSI advisory councils, boards, commissions, divisions, and staff; the Background Check Unit, which processes CORI checks for various boards and licensing functions; management of the regulatory process through each stage of review as set forth in DOL and EOED's operating procedures which includes interfacing with outside agencies, including but not limited to EOED, the Secretary of State's Office, and the Governor's Office; and compiling the administrative record for petitions for judicial review. The Deputy General Counsel also provides general legal support to the DOL General Counsel and DOL leadership, which may include, but is not limited to: drafting legal memoranda for subjects within their assigned purview, filling in as board counsel or as a hearing officer in DOL adjudicatory proceedings; drafting contracts and memorandums of understanding; reviewing procurement documents on behalf of the Agency, 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.

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

　　Supervise and manage Board Counsel, paralegals, interns, and other support staff.Work to ensure that legal decisions and advice to the 26 boards, OPSI and OS reflect a thorough understanding of the law, DOL policies and priorities, solid legal reasoning, and sound judgment.Provide counsel on the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, Massachusetts Public Records Law, and laws governing the conduct of public employees including, but not limited to the Massachusetts state ethics laws, M.G.L. c. 268A and c. 268B.Identify and address procedural and substantive issues that are common to boards and Board Counsel. Prepare internal policies to govern the activities of the Board Counsel.Review all proposed regulations, policies, guidelines and acts of DOL and OPSI Boards, to ensure they comply with all applicable Executive Orders, and G.L. c 30A.Serve as the Board Counsel for selected boards.As needed may be assigned temporarily, or long term, to serve as a board counsel for any one of the 26 boards in the Agency. Provide legal support and advice to board members on matters that come before it.Draft opinions and memoranda of law on matters such as: legal issues relating to the practice of regulated professions; the Open Meeting law; Public Records law; state ethics law; Agency and board policies; and court decisions and litigation affecting board operations and business.Advise board members on disciplinary matters before the body, as well as the conduct of 30A adjudicatory hearings.Advise board members on the process governing the promulgation of regulations pursuant to G.L. c 30A, associated regulations, and other requirements.Review, analyze, and summarize legislation relevant to assigned boards.Update Senior leadership.Meet with the General Counsel to discuss matters of common concern to Board Counsel in the handling and prosecution of disciplinary cases.Provide memos requested by Senior Leadership, including the Commissioner, and present findings.Provide updates to Senior Leadership pertaining to appeals of decisions by any of the boards.Provide prompt, accurate, and thorough legal advice to the General Counsel.Administration of the Unit. Prepare internal policies, protocols, and performance related metrics as needed to govern areas of common concern. Detailed understanding of unit software programs required to run metrics, manage staff, and assess workloads and workflow.Track the disposition of cases and promote their prompt and effective resolution.Conduct training sessions as needed.Act as a Liaison with the Attorney General's Office.Monitor and track all cases that have been appealed pursuant to G.L. c. 30A.Compile administrative records.Work with Board Counsel to ensure all necessary documentation and information is provided to the Attorney General's Office.Develop legislative, regulatory, and policy initiatives to promote board and DOL objectives.Review, analyze and summarize legislation relevant to all boards, divisions, offices, or units.Draft proposed legislation.Prepare memoranda for Agency review and/or legislative committees, supporting or opposing legislation.Draft policies promoting Agency and Administration objectives.Assist with Public Records Requests.Consult with the Assistant General Counsel for Public Affairs on public records requests, subpoenas, and other public information requests.Attend meetings with EOED and review public record requests and media requests.

　　Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

　　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.Admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and presently in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar.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).Familiarity with the process of promulgating regulations.Ability to interact effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization, business leaders, and government officials.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 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 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.

　　Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

　　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.