Senior Paralegal Specialist

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Quincy (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Executive Office of Health and Human Services is seeking a Senior Paralegal Specialist for the MassHealth Board of Hearings Unit in Quincy. The position involves supervising paralegal staff, assisting hearing officers with case management, and preparing cases for administrative hearings.

Responsibilities include legal research, drafting documents, coordinating intake and scheduling of appeals, and ensuring confidential handling of information.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of regulations governing Board of Hearings and agency rules.
• Ability to supervise staff and manage case work.
• Strong research and analytical skills in legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and supervise paralegal staff including paralegal specialists and the paralegal coordinator.
• Assist hearing officers in case management, hearing preparation, and legal research.
• Manage provider claims for adjudicatory hearings to determine legal validity.
• Draft legal documents and communicate with appellants and attorneys.
• Redact decisions before saving to public drive.

Skills

Legal research

Word processing

Excel

MS Teams

Zoom

Supervision

Written communication

Tools

Word

Excel

Microsoft Teams

Zoom

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Senior Paralegal Specialist (260006UJ)

Job Description

Senior Paralegal Specialist - ( 260006UJ )

Description

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) seeks qualified applicants for the position of Senior Paralegal Specialist in the MassHealth Board of Hearings Unit. The Senior Paralegal Specialist will directly supervise paralegal staff including paralegal specialists and the paralegal coordinator. The incumbent will work collaboratively with hearing officers by assisting in case management and hearing preparation. The Senior Paralegal Specialist will be expected to conduct research, assess legal documents, assist hearing officers in preparing cases for administrative hearings; analyze proposed legislation; respond to inquiries concerning formal interpretation of agency laws, rules, and regulations; and perform related legal and administrative work as required.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

Oversee and supervise paralegal specialists and Paralegal Coordinator assigned to work directly with hearing officers.

Develop and monitor tasks and assignments performed by paralegal specialist.

Work closely with hearing officers by assisting in case management, hearing preparation, and legal research.

Assist with the management of Provider Claims for Adjudicatory Hearing upon filing to determine legal validity of the claim.

Work closely with management and administrative staff concerning intake, scheduling, and disposition of appeals.

Respond to inquiries from appellants, attorneys, and others to provide information concerning appeals.

Assist in intake of appeals.

Obtain interpreter services and necessary accommodations for appellants.

Manage requests for document production from MassHealth legal unit, Privacy Office and/or appellant/authorized representative.

Assist in any/all post hearing filings. Responsible for issuing provider proposed and final decisions and all member appeals.

Responsible for redaction of all decisions (both provider and member appeals) before saving to public drive.

Responsible for assessing legal documents; preparing cases for administrative hearings; analyzing proposed legislation; respond to inquiries concerning formal interpretation of agency laws, rules and regulations, and perform related work as required.

Maintain and/or update tracking of c. 30A Superior Court appeals.

Draft legal documents as requested by hearing officers and Director.

Communicate with appellants, attorneys, personal representatives, etc., as needed.

Help provide notification on scheduling as needed.

Communicate with hearing officers on any/all pre- and post- hearing filings.

Assist with responsibilities for issuing provider proposed and final decisions and all member appeals.

Responsible for redaction of all decisions (provider/member) before saving to public drive.

Assess legal documents, prepare cases for administrative hearing, analyze proposed legislation, respond to inquiries concerning formal interpretation of agency laws, rules, and regulations, and perform other related duties as directed by the Director.

Assist Director in expediting hearing process pursuant to regulatory amendments to fair hearing regulations.

Draft dismissals of appeals that fail to evidence authorization that include factual and legal basis for dismissal.

Perform any board related tasks and projects at the request of the Director.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge of the principles and practices of human resource management, including behavior techniques, planning forecasting, and organizational development.

Knowledge of work task simplification methods.

Knowledge of the use of methods for writing, preparing, and reading tables and reports.

Ability to understand the regulations, policies, and procedures for the function of the Board of Hearings.

Ability to understand the agency regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to gather information, formulate questions, and/or make recommendations for resolution.

Ability to maintain a staff calendar, accurate records, and reports.

Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner.

Ability to establish rapport with others.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.

Ability to coordinate direct reporting staff tactfully and effectively.

Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements.

Ability to exercise sound judgment.

Proficient use of Word, Excel, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.

Ability to learn and access a variety of information systems supported by a variety of technological platforms.

Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of supervision.

Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work, according to the nature of the capabilities of reporting staff or subordinate staff, providing and recommending training requirements and opportunities, motivating and evaluating staff, and following processes for discipline; and

Maintain confidentiality and privacy in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of work task simplification methods;

Knowledge in the use of methods for writing, preparing, and reading tables and reports;

Ability to understand the regulations, policies, and procedures for the function of the Board of Hearings;

Ability to understand the agency regulations, policies, and procedures;

Ability to gather information, formulate questions, and/or make recommendations for resolution;

Ability to maintain a staff calendar, accurate records, and reports;

Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner;

Ability to establish rapport with others;

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others;

Ability to manage direct reporting staff tactfully and effectively;

Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements;

Ability to exercise sound judgment;

Proficient use of Word, Excel, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom;

Ability to learn and access a variety of information systems supported by a variety of technological platforms;

Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information;

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of supervision;

Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work, according to the nature of the capabilities of reporting staff or subordinate staff, providing and recommending training requirements and opportunities, motivating and evaluating staff, and following processes for discipline; and

Maintain confidentiality and privacy in compliance with state and federal regulations.

About MASSHEALTH

MassHealth is the Commonwealth's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program, providing comprehensive healthcare coverage and services to approximately two million Massachusetts residents. Through partnerships with providers, health plans, community organizations, and government agencies, MassHealth works to improve health outcomes, reduce disparities, strengthen care coordination, and ensure access to high-quality, person-centered care. As one of the largest Medicaid programs in the country, MassHealth plays a critical role in advancing healthcare innovation, promoting health equity, and supporting the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the Commonwealth.

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.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option 4.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

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 / 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.

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Quincy - 1 Enterprise Dr

Job

Administrative Services

Agency

Exec Office Of Health and Human Services

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Salary

80,411.50 - 117,590.46 Yearly

If you have Diversity, affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Sandra Semedo/[e-mail] - 8572741120

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes