Deputy General Counsel, Privacy Unit

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a dynamic and strategic Deputy General Counsel, Privacy Unit, to serve as a key legal advisor to Senior Management within the agency and provide legal advice on a broad range of issues, including the interpretation of statutes and regulations, privacy issues including HIPAA, public records law, CORI, investigations, risk management, forensic involvement of individuals served by the department, human rights, and end of life issues.

The ideal candidate will direct, coordinate, and assist in the management and defense of lawsuits filed against the department and works with the office of the attorney general. The deputy also performs other work as may be assigned by the general counsel, including representing the department at inter-agency meeting(s) and on workgroups.

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

- Provides advice and counsel to Agency Senior Staff related to legal issues, including Medicaid law, privacy law, public records law, research and review, and administrative law.

- Drafts policies, memoranda, regulations, correspondence, and pleadings in furtherance of the legal work of the Department.

- Reviews and revise documents drafted by other Agency attorneys and paralegals within the areas of the Deputy's subject matter expertise and provide other supervision, including completing EPRS meetings and forms for direct reports.

- Serves as Privacy Officer and Research and Review Committee Chairperson for DDS.

- Participates in internal and external meetings, serves on work groups, prepares, and conducts trainings and presentations on areas of law relevant to other staff at DDS.

- Performs other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Current Massachusetts bar license; at least five (5) years in the practice of law with emphasis on privacy, public records, research and review, administrative appeals, health care and related law.

- Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication abilities, both written and in person.

- Ability to work under pressure and to produce professional results, and experience in the field of human services and working with individuals with disabilities.

- Superior leadership experience, particularly in cultivating high-performing teams, and developing and maintaining excellent relations with staff.

Please Note:

This position is located in Boston

Flexibility required to meet the needs of the program/area office.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

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

To Apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Deputy General Counsel requisition.

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

· Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

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 the candidate being hired.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

· Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

· Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

· National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

​​​​​​​ ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

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 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.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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.