Deputy General Counsel

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) seeks a diligent, adept, strategic, and collaborative Deputy General Counsel.  DTA implements public assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and provides benefits for thousands of Commonwealth citizens with a focus on helping individuals and families become self-sufficient through work and breaking the cycle of dependency.  With your legal experience and commitment to drive change, you can help make an impact and improve the lives of others. 

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will supervise legal matters relating to litigation, public assistance program policy and contracts.  As Deputy General Counsel, you will work with the General Counsel to supervise a team of attorneys handling class-action litigation, Superior Court litigation, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) complaints, statutory and regulatory review, contract drafting, and public records requests.  You will work closely with the Commissioner, General Counsel, and DTA management to assist with DTA program operations, initiatives, project implementation, and policies. 

DTA attracts people who are passionate about public service, who love to work in a fast-paced environment, and who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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

Represent the Department and assist the Attorney General’s office in representing the Department in civil litigation.  Litigation activities may include court appearances, researching and drafting legal memoranda and other pleadings, and ensuring timely and accurate responses to discovery requests. 

Draft and monitor the oversight of procurements, contracts, and interagency service agreements.

Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal and state laws relating to public assistance programs, including SNAP, and regularly communicate same to Department staff.

Draft proposed legislation and agency regulations.

Work closely with the General Counsel to direct, plan, and support activities of staff attorneys through individual meetings, consultation, editing, and reviewing written documents.

As needed, provide support to the General Counsel regarding all program areas and staff direction.

Communicate DTA’s legal goals and policies with other state agencies, federal oversight agencies, the legislature, the Attorney General’s office, and advocacy groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

A minimum of seven years of legal or management experience, including three years or more in litigation or administrative law.

Demonstrated skills in legal analysis, oral and written advocacy, litigation strategy, and developing effective and productive interpersonal relationships.

Comprehensive knowledge of specific legal requirements and general principles relating to administrative and constitutional law, public procurements, state finance, and the substantive body of extensive federal and state statutory and regulatory law governing the public assistance programs administered by DTA, including but not limited to SNAP> 

Ability to keep apprised of ever-changing legal requirements.

Effective management and supervisory skills.

Please Note:

While subject to change, this position is currently a hybrid position and the selected candidate is required to work onsite in a DTA office for two (2) days per week; one (1) day of which must be in DTA’s Administrative Office in Boston, MA while, subject to availability, the other day may be in another Department office. 

About the Department of Transitional Assistance:

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in six residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP), as well as workforce training opportunities.