The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is the second largest agency under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The Office of the General Counsel is searching for a Paralegal Specialist who has exceptional attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Supporting the work of the Department’s Office of the General Counsel, the Paralegal Specialist will support Central Office attorneys with labor and employment matters, draft legal pleadings and correspondence, investigative reports, and affidavits, maintain and prepare forms and reports, respond to discovery, review legislation, and exercise critical thinking skills to make well-reasoned and logical judgments.
Please note: This position is designated as "confidential", and as such is excluded from Bargaining Unit 6 under the NAGE collective bargaining agreement. Therefore, most benefits are governed by the Commonwealth's "Red Book". (For example: your dental/vision benefits will be with the Group Insurance Commission).
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Maintain organized filing and electronic tracking systems, including administrative appeals, litigation, subpoenas, etc.; ensure information is current, complete, and materials are organized to ensure prompt access by attorneys and staff.
- Review, follow, track, and provide updates on public policy legislation.
- Review and screen new filings, open case files, and docket materials.
- Produce regular status reports on data maintained by the Office of the General Counsel.
- Prepare notices and draft correspondence and memoranda in accordance with standard legal office practices.
- Maintain organized filing and tracking systems and produce regular status reports on litigation involving the Department.
- Complete litigation-related assignments, including docketing, organizing case files and exhibits, drafting correspondence, copying, mailing, etc.
- Organize and prepare documents to respond to subpoenas and public records, documents, discovery requests, etc.
- Draft correspondence, reports, and memoranda in accordance with standard business practice.
- Assist in the investigation of employment complaints against the Department by interviewing persons, reviewing records, and preparing reports for the General Counsel.
- Track and update investigation appeals and labor/employment litigation databases.
- File petitions and other pleadings with various courts and other agencies on behalf of DDS.
- Act as liaison with HRD on labor and employment matters.
- Demonstrate professionalism when communicating with other Department units, parties in litigation, other government agencies, claimants, attorneys, general public, etc.
- Provide concise and accurate oral and written briefings on assignments and cases.
- Respond to telephone calls and correspondence promptly and courteously.
- Utilize excellent interpersonal skills with colleagues and at meetings, in workgroups, or on committees.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work.
- Excellent ability utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Visio, and Word with the capacity to track changes, edit and create tables, headers/footers, etc.
- Proficiency with Excel (creating spreadsheets sheets and reports; hyperlinking; data entry); and Adobe Pro (redaction, Bates stamping, etc.).
- Knowledge and ability to conduct legal research, analyze legal documents and prepare a written analysis of the material.
- Ability to gather information through observations and interrogation.
- Ability to act with discretion and sensitivity to handling confidential matters and exercise good judgment and professionalism in all work activities.
- Knowledge of and ability to follow standard legal/business office practices.
- Ability to draft correspondence, memoranda, and reports and complete legal forms, in accordance with standard legal office business practice.
Preferred Qualifications
- Working knowledge of the Department’s legal mandate, statutes and regulations, policies, and practices.
- Proficiency in utilizing Department information systems, including HCSIS and MEDITECH, and PACER; and state equivalent access to court records.
- Working knowledge and ability to complete assignments consistent with the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the General Counsel.
About the Department of Developmental Services
The mission of the DDS is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 44,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages over $2.74 billion in public funds ($2.44 billion 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
Pre-Hire Process:
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:
- Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:
- Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
- National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.
Please upload a cover letter and resume for the Paralegal Specialist requisition.
For questions, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #2.
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
- An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.
- Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.
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.
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