Counsel I - Western Legal

Massachusetts Department of Public Health; Holyoke (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Children & Families seeks a Counsel I to represent the agency in Juvenile and Probate Court, handling custody, termination of parental rights, guardianship and adoption cases. A Massachusetts Bar admission is required, with a JD degree.

The role involves preparing legal documents and advising on legal procedures for ongoing cases. Based in Holyoke with a potential hybrid schedule, the position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive state benefits.

Qualifications

• JD degree and MA Bar admission required.
• Experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

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 staff on legal procedures for agency cases pending in the courts.
• Conduct training of agency staff on legal issues pertaining to agency work and litigation processes.
• Assist in preparing appellate briefs, orders, opinions, rules, and regulations related to enforcement of laws within the agency jurisdiction.

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) degree

Admission to the Massachusetts Bar

Job description

Job Description - Counsel I - Western Legal (260006GC)

Job Description

Counsel I - Western Legal - (260006GC)

Description

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 must be a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and will represent DCF in Juvenile and Probate Court, in custody, termination of parental rights, guardianship, and adoption cases.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• 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 agency cases that are pending in the courts.


• Conduct training of agency staff on legal issues pertaining to agency work, litigation processes, changes to law, regulation, or policy, or other topics as needed.


• Assist in preparing appellate briefs, orders, opinions, rules, and regulations related to the administration and enforcement of laws within the jurisdiction of the agency.

About the Department of Children and Families

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF’s vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care, and education.

DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency, and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.

A criminal 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. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.

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

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

ADA Reasonable Accommodation

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

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and some experience in legal research, legal writing, and legal procedures and processes.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

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.

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.

An Equal Opportunity / Aff…

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.

Official Title : Counsel I

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Holyoke - 200 Front Street

Job

Legal Services

Agency

Department of Children & Families

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 1, 2026, 1:17:07 PM

Number of Openings

2

Salary

80,411.50 - 117,590.46 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Aff…mation or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Kendy Derival / [e-mail] - 8572835867

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes