Job Description 

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a mission-driven individual with legal experience to fill the role of Fair Hearing Paralegal Specialist. The selected candidate will assist the Fair Hearing Director, Supervisors, and Officers through the fair hearing process. The Fair Hearing Paralegal Specialist will also respond to fair hearing requests, discovery requests and inquiries about the process from Appellants as well as draft correspondence, orders, and fair hearing decisions and ensure that fair hearing filings/data are maintained for each case. 

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

• Assist in the drafting of findings and rulings in accordance with DCF regulations and policies and assist in writing analytically sound decisions in a clear and cogent manner within DCF regulatory time frames.

• Review fair hearing cases to provide preliminary determination regarding the settlement of fair hearing disputes where appropriate.

• Assist in resolving matters of discovery as well as any other issues preliminary to the hearing.

• Maintain complete and organized files of cases assigned.

• Enter data into DCF electronic records system concerning hearings assigned, heard, and decided as further directed by supervisor.

• Submit data for monthly activity and other reports as directed, assist in the analysis of the Fair Hearing Data, and make recommendations for system changes.

• Perform related duties such as preparing correspondence, operating office machines, and file required documents in an established filing system and/or electronically in the agency’s case management system. 

• Maintain a working relationship with the staff within the Fair Hearing Unit, Office of the General Counsel and Area Office Staff.

• As requested, research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, opinions, determinations, and rulings in order to assist the agency in carrying out the duties of the Fair Hearing Unit.

• Travel to area offices on an as-needed basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, exercise discretion in handling confidential information and maintain accurate records.

• Ability to interact effectively with people.

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

• Proven ability to write concisely and effectively, as well as the ability to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.

• Demonstrated ability to read and understand legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions, and contracts.

• Ability to 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 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.

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.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the  Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions, please the 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.