Location: Boston,MA, USA
Job Description - Senior Legal Counsel (240002H4)
Description
Senior Legal Counsel - (240002H4)
About the OCA
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent executive branch agency with oversight and ombudsperson responsibilities, established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2008. The OCA's mission is to ensure that children receive appropriate, timely and quality state services, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Commonwealth's most vulnerable and at-risk children can thrive. Through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, the OCA identifies gaps in state services and recommends improvements in policy, practice, regulation and/or law.
Commitment to Diversity
The OCA actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workforce and is interested in candidates whose experiences, skills, and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants are invited to include a statement within their cover letter describing how diversity, equity, and inclusion factor into the candidate's work and/or life experiences. The OCA values diverse perspectives, including candidates with lived experience in the child protective and/or juvenile justice systems.
Purpose of the Job
Working under the supervision of the OCA's General Counsel, the Senior Legal Counsel (SLC) provides support on legal and policy issues arising from the execution of the OCA's mission. The SLC provides consultation to OCA staff on matters related to the OCA's oversight responsibilities as well as consultation on issues brought to the agency's attention via the Complaint Line. The SLC is responsible for drafting interagency memorandums of understanding as well as internal policies. The SLC will conduct legal research for OCA projects and investigations. The SLC will support the OCA investigation team by reviewing case specific confidential information and drafting summaries or reports as necessary. The SLC will support the General Counsel in the management of interagency initiatives and projects.
The ideal candidate for this position is motivated by the opportunity to work for the betterment of children of the Commonwealth and has experience working in a Massachusetts state agency. The ideal candidate has a patient and measured approach to work, a structured approach to issue identification and problem solving, a strong commitment to public service, and a good sense of humor.
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
Qualifications
Minimum Entry Requirements
Juris Doctorate from an accredited school of law. Member in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar Association. Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full time, or equivalent part-time, relevant work experience preferably in an area related to state government, government oversight, child protection, or education, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitution(s): A graduate degree or higher (in addition to the required J.D.) in a related field may be substituted for one year of relevant work experience.
Application process
Please note that a cover letter and resume are required pieces of the application process. Review of applications will start immediately and continue while the position is posted. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. All information on candidates will be kept confidential.
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.
OCA employees also participate in the Commonwealth's State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from State service.
Official Title: Staff Assistant
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place
Job: Legal Services
Agency: Office of the Child Advocate
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Feb 20, 2024, 8:47:06 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 95,000.00 - 115,000.00 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Cristine Goldman - 617#######
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
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