Massachusetts Jobs

_About the Organization:_ The Division of Occupational Licensure (DOL), an agency within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), protects consumers by making sure the professionals they hire comply with state licensing laws. DOL oversees 26 boards of registration, which license and regulate more than 500,000 individuals and businesses to practice over 100 trades and professions. DOL also licenses and regulates the Office of Public Safety and Inspections (OPSI), and theOffice of Private Occupational School Education (OS). The mission of DOL is to protect the public health, safety and welfare by licensing qualified individuals and businesses to provide services to consumers. In addition, it is the duty of the DOL to ensure fair and consistent enforcement of the licensing laws and regulations. DOL seeks to promote consumer protection, a fair and competitive marketplace, and education and outreach. The Division of Occupational Licensure is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Division of Occupational Licensure values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. The Division of Occupational Licensure is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens. _About the Role:_ The Counsel III (“Senior Prosecuting Counsel”)serves as the Agency’s subject matter expert on the prosecution of disciplinary cases for the boards of registration within the Division of Occupational Licensure, the Office of Private Occupational School Education and, as necessary, DOL’s Office of Public Safety and Inspections. The Senior Prosecuting Counsel also supervises Counsel II Prosecuting Counsel, works with complainants and witnesses to prosecute assigned cases on behalf of DOL boards of registration, offices, and units; drafts motions, orders, legal memoranda, general correspondence, and other documents; conducts legal research in support of prosecutorial activities; negotiates with licensees/respondents and their legal representatives in an effort to resolve cases; provides regular case updates to interested parties; appears before boards of registration, offices or units, to present counter-offers, seek input from a board, or obtain approval on settlement offers; and assists in the resolution, closing, and reporting of closed complaints. The Senior Prosecuting Counsel may perform other legal and administrative tasks, as necessary or required, based on the operational needs of the Agency. Prosecutors are expected to use a trauma-informed approach to their cases with a focus on the safety and well-being of consumers and the public. Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): * Prepare disciplinary cases for prosecution against licensees and others in accordance with GL c. 30A and 801 CMR 1.00. * Act as supervisor for Counsel II Prosecuting Counsel in the Office of Prosecutions; advise Prosecuting Counsel on drafting and evidentiary rules; meet regularly with Prosecuting Counsel; draft performance reviews; advise the Chief of Prosecutions on the status of matters in the Office of Prosecutions. * Propose findings of fact and conclusion of law. * Ensure timely adjudication of cases, on average, within 180 days upon receipt of an Answer to an Order to Show Cause. * Prepare surrender agreements and consent agreements with licensees and/or their attorneys in resolution of consumer/Agency complaints. * Coordinate the prosecution of disciplinary cases with other law enforcement agencies, e.g., District Attorneys and Office of the Attorney General. * With the assistance of boards, Occupational School staff or Office of Public Safety and Inspections, schedule adjudicatory hearings; maintain docket files; and completes paperwork associated with closing out cases. * Maintain and update a regularly updated case file and case management system. * Prepare reports documenting the status of cases. * In connection with the prosecution of disciplinary cases, interpret statutes and regulations, court decisions and opinions applicable to the boards, the Office of Private Occupational School Education, Office of Public Safety and Inspections and the DOL at large. * Conduct legal research on matters relating to boards, Occupational School, and Public Safety disciplinary matters. * Conduct factual and legal research relating to issues of professional practice. * Maintain a reference system of administrative and judicial decisions relating to the boards, OccupationalSchools, and Public Safety. * Draft correspondence relating to formal adjudicatory proceedings. * Identify opportunities for process improvement and works cooperatively with other DOL staff on project teams. * Provide other legal advice and administrative assistance as necessary. * Prepare instructions to Agency units for the implementation of court decisions affecting prosecutions. * Prepare memoranda to legislative committees supporting or opposing legislation affecting Agency operations. * Establish and maintain liaison with representatives of other government agencies and private sector to identify and resolve problems of common concern. * Serve as technical expert, providing advanced and specialized expertise in administrative law to both internal and external clients, management, and colleagues; provide specialized and/or broad consultative advice, insight, and recommendations on specialized legal issues to assist Agency management decision making and to ensure compliance with Agency, state and federal laws and regulations. * Educate and effectively communicate the interpretation of area-specific laws to internal and external clients and, if relevant, subordinates, to enhance knowledge and to enforce or promote the consistent administration of laws. * Participate in training opportunities as requested. * Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:* * Experience in litigation and/or administrative hearing processes /disciplinary processes pursuant to G.L. c. 30A and 801 CMR. * Experience with the open meeting law, public records law, and state ethics law. * Strong interpersonal and organizational skills. * Experience working on legal issues involved in the various occupations overseen by the Agency and/or serving as legal counsel to boards or commissions. * Experience working on legal issues involved in the various trades and public safety professions such as building, plumbing, electrical, and sheet metal codes, contractor disputes, municipal zoning and building inspections. * Significant litigation experience and/or administrative hearing processes experience. * Competency in using computer word processing systems and managing computer databases. * Experience in legal research, legal writing, and participation in civil procedures and processes. _ All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position._ /SALARY PLACEMENT IS DETERMINED BY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE POSITION AND THE HUMAN RESOURCES DIVISION’S RECRUITING GUIDELINES. IN THE CASE OF A PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY, THE SALARY PROVISIONS OF THE APPLICABLE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WILL APPLY TO (OR WILL BE UTILIZED FOR) PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SALARY RANGE./ First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar Association, and at least (A) six years of full-time, or equivalent part time, professional experience in the practice of law in a specialized area that is relevant to the assigned agency. Based on assignment and supervisory responsibilities, three years in a supervisory capacity may be required. Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment. *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. Job: Legal Services* *Organization: Division of Occupational Licensure *Title: *Senior Prosecuting Counsel Location: Massachusetts-Boston - 1000 Washington St Requisition ID: 240004UP