Paralegal Specialist-Northern Legal

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a highly organized and driven individual with legal experience to fill the role of Paralegal Specialist. In this role the selected candidate will assist the agency in meeting the Federal requirements of Title IV-E and Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. 

Additionally, the Paralegal Specialist will assist DCF Lawyers, legal managers, and peer administrative support staff to meet the requirements under state and federal law through development of external collaboration and partnerships with both staff in the local Massachusetts Probation Service Offices and the local Clerk’s Offices throughout the Commonwealth.

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

·        Work directly with external partners in the local Probation and Registrar/Clerks’ Offices of the Juvenile and Probate and Family Court to track and obtain all required legal documents, as well as any indigency intake applications and subsequent verifications, if available, to comply with State and Federal mandates that are needed for federal reimbursement and audits.

·        Assist peer administrative support staff /paralegals, lawyers, and legal mangers by obtaining and sending all required legal documentation, as well as any indigency intake applications and subsequent verification, if available, to the Department, which are necessary to support federal reimbursements under Title IV-E of the Social Security act for foster case, adoptions or kinship guardianships in actions filed in Juvenile and Probate and Family Court.

·        Assist as needed in the Legal Office and Area Offices to maximize IV-E revenue.  This may include assisting in the collection of necessary legal documentation from the Court, obtaining reports from Social Workers and distributing such reports as required by any Court rules.

·        Maintain a working relationship with the Area Office, Legal staff, and Court personnel to ensure the timely processing of and obtaining the required documentation under State and Federal Law.

·        Perform related duties such as developing case tracking systems; preparing correspondence; operating office machines; filing required documents in an established filing system and/or electronically in the agency’s case management system. 

·        Maintain a working relationship with the Department’s revenue unit and revenue vendor.

·        Meet regularly with the Department’s revenue vendor, the EOHHS revenue unit, and the Office of the General Counsel to facilitate communication and smooth operations between the revenue unit and the legal offices. 

·        Assist the Office of General Counsel and agency as needed in modifying its State Plan under Title IV-E and IV-B and in obtaining documents that are needed for various audits conducted to meet Title IV-E requirements or other state of federal laws or requirements.

·        As requested, research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, opinions, determinations, and rulings to assist the agency in understanding and meeting its obligations under Title IV-E, IV-B, and other federal revenue sources. 

Required Qualifications:

·         Two (2) or more years’ experience as a paraprofessional including experience in legal research.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and interact effectively with all stakeholders.

·         Capacity to exercise discretion while handling confidential information.

·         Knowledge and ability to read and understand legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions, and contracts.

·         Strong ability to write concisely and effectively to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.

·         Ability to conduct interviews as well as identify and resolve problems as necessary and appropriate.

TO APPLY:

Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

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 can 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.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dcf

Pre-Hire Process:

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: 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. 

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:  
I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.  

II. 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.

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. 

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.