Deputy General Counsel, Privacy Unit

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Developmental Services in Boston seeks a dynamic Deputy General Counsel, Privacy Unit, to advise senior management on privacy, HIPAA, public records law, CORI, and related matters. The role directs and coordinates defense of lawsuits and works with the attorney general's office.

Preferred qualifications include MA bar licensing and at least five years in privacy and health-care law, strong leadership, and experience serving individuals with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Current Massachusetts bar license.
• At least five years in the practice of law with emphasis on privacy, public records, research and review, administrative appeals, health care and related law.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and in person.
• Experience in human services and working with individuals with disabilities.
• Superior leadership experience, particularly in cultivating high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• 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 supervision.
• 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.

Skills

Privacy law

Public records

Administrative law

Medicaid law

Leadership

Legal counsel

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

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.

Please Note:

This position is located in Boston

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Days Off: Saturday/Sunday

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