Deputy General Counsel, Procurement, Contracts and Compliance

About the Department

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work, and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery, sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

About the Role

The Office of the General Counsel seeks an experienced business transactions and regulatory compliance attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel for Procurement, Contracts and Compliance. This role is pivotal in advising on the agency's procurement and contracting strategies, ensuring compliance with applicable statutes and regulations, and supporting the implementation of best-practice business processes and internal controls.

In this capacity, you will serve as the primary legal counsel for regulatory, contractual, and compliance issues, working closely with DMH senior leadership, program directors, and the Office of Management & Budget. Your day-to-day will involve drafting high-quality agreements, memoranda, and other legal documents, as well as negotiating disputes in the best interest of the Commonwealth. You will oversee all legal requirements for competitive procurement and contract management, utilizing the COMMBUYS eProcurement platform to ensure open, fair, and efficient processes.

You will represent DMH in inter-agency workgroups and coordinate with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the Office of the State Comptroller, and other state agencies. A key part of the role involves directing and training staff on state and federal laws applicable to procurements, contracts, grants, and data-disclosure agreements, while actively monitoring agency risk and program integrity to prevent fraud and abuse.

Hiring Process

A tax and background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division 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 selected candidates is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record 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 regarding this requisition, contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122, Ext. #4.

Our Commitment to Diversity

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.