Assistant Deputy General Counsel

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: child-driven, family-centered, community-focused, strength-based, committed to diversity/cultural competency, and committed to continuous learning.

For more information about our agency and programs, visit: www.mass.gov/dcf

About the Role

The Department of Children and Families is seeking a dynamic, service-minded, and experienced legal professional to fill the role of Assistant Deputy General Counsel. This position serves as a critical leadership pillar within the Office of the General Counsel, working in concert with the First Deputy General Counsel and three Deputy General Counsels to coordinate and supervise the agency's legal activities.

In this capacity, you will supervise Assistant General Counsels in framing litigation issues to align with Department policy and review appellate briefs to ensure they are well-reasoned and supported by case law, statutes, regulations, and policy. You will act as a key liaison with the Attorney General’s Office on litigation matters, coordinating discovery and witness preparation. Additionally, you will provide technical assistance to Regional and Area office staff regarding the interpretation and implementation of Massachusetts General Laws, regulations, and department policy. The role also involves overseeing compliance support for federal and state audits and providing support to the Director of the Fair Hearing Unit to review and approve administrative hearing decisions.

Hiring Process

A criminal and tax history 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 hiring. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Please note that 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 a reasonable accommodation with the application or interview process, please contact EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests. For general questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Equal Opportunity and Culture

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. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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. 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, supporting you, your loved ones, and your future.