Counsel I- Western Legal - (260004XA)

ABOUT THE ROLE 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 will represent DCF in Juvenile and Probate Court in custody, termination of parental rights, guardianship, and adoption cases. DCF is committed to protecting children from abuse and neglect, ensuring they grow and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment, and establishing safety, permanency, and well-being for the Commonwealth's children. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Interpret laws, court decisions, 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 advise clinical agency staff on legal procedures and requirements for pending court cases - Conduct training of agency staff on legal issues, litigation processes, changes to law, regulation, or policy - Assist in preparing appellate briefs, orders, opinions, rules, and regulations related to the administration and enforcement of laws within the agency's jurisdiction MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Juris Doctor (JD) degree - Admission to the Massachusetts Bar - Some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association - May be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a class level specific to assignment - Must pass a criminal background check as required by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to being hired - Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines - Education and license/certification information is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website SELECTION PROCESS - First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days of the job posting - A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate prior to hiring HOW TO APPLY - Upload both a Resume and Cover Letter when applying through the official portal - For questions, contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4 - For ADA reasonable accommodation requests, contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator Jae Beal at Jae.beal2@mass.gov or 857-283-7581 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: 200 Front Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts, United States - Agency: Department of Children and Families - Job Type: Full-Time, Day Shift - Number of Openings: 1 - Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin. - Work Schedule: Potentially eligible for a hybrid work schedule - The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.