Counsel - Boston, United States - State of Massachusetts

Description

Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission

Job Posting


Job Title:
Counsel


Reports to:
General Counsel


OVERVIEW OF THE AGENCY AND THE POSITION

The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission is an independent agency that oversees law enforcement departments and officers throughout the Commonwealth.

The Commission is charged with the following:

• Establishing certification standards for law enforcement departments and officers;
• Determining whether those standards have been met;
• Developing regulations and policies governing law enforcement;
• Decertifying, suspending, or ordering retraining for officers who commit misconduct or otherwise fail to satisfy requirements;
• Maintaining, analyzing, and disseminating information regarding law enforcement; and
• Conducting investigations, adjudicatory proceedings, and public hearings regarding such matters.

The Commission is governed by, and enforces, Chapter 6E of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Pursuant to that statute, the Commission collaborates with the Commonwealth's Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) in several areas of its work.

The Commission is looking for an individual to join its Legal Division in a counsel position.

Working under the direction of the Commission's General Counsel, the counsel may work on a wide range of legal and policy matters, or specialize in a particular area.

POSITION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General Functions

The counsel may be required to work on any legal or policy matter for the Commission.


The counsel's work may include:

• Providing analysis and guidance on legal and policy matters to Commission personnel;
• Contributing to the development and refinement of regulations, policies, standards, protocols, and manuals governing the Commission and members of law enforcement, as well as decisions and orders in matters involving individual officers;
• Ensuring compliance with applicable sources of authority;
• Defending Commission decisions, and otherwise representing Commission interests, in administrative agency adjudications and other proceedings;
• Working with others to address litigation related to the Commission;
• Drafting, negotiating, and reviewing contracts and other agreements;
• Responding to public records requests, and issuing and responding to subpoenas and other forms of discovery;
• Contributing to the preparation of Commission meeting materials and minutes;
• Delivering presentations to, providing training to, and preparing informational materials for Commission personnel and outside groups;
• Otherwise working with, and representing the Commission before, governmental entities, stakeholders, and members of the public; and
• Responding to inquiries, concerns, and proposals related to law and policy from those outside the Commission.

Particular Needs

The Commission has a particular need for a counsel who can offer or develop expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• The maintenance and disclosure of public records;
• Data privacy and security;
• Labor and employment law;
• Public policy development and analysis;
• Contracting and procurement; and
• Commission certification matters.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING

To be considered for the position, apply through MassCareers by May 3, 2024, and include a cover letter, a resume, and at least one writing sample reflecting your own substantive legal analysis.

You are strongly encouraged to discuss or demonstrate any experience with the areas listed above in your application.

If you are interested in multiple positions that have been posted by the Commission, you are encouraged to apply for all such positions.

Applications submitted after the date set forth above will be considered at the discretion of the Commission.

The Commission reserves the ability to refrain from considering any application that is submitted after that date or omits a required item.

SALARY RANGE

Anticipated range:
$90,000 - $120,000. Flexibility if commensurate with experience.


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? Commonwealth Employee Benefits and Rewards


COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
The Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels. The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

It is the policy of the Commission and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state, or local law.

Females, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and those who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive are strongly encouraged to apply.

NOTICE OF REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK - INCLUDING TAX COMPLIANCE

The Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment.

Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such a background check is not initiated until:

• A candidate is invited to a second or subsequent interview; and
• The candidate has signed the Background Check Authorization Form and related releases.

This background check includes a check of Criminal Offender Record Information, and Federal IRS and Massachusetts Department of Revenue tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment.

Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified.

Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted while a full background and qualification check is completed.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

The following are essential qualifications for the position:

• A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school of law and membership in good standing in the Massachusetts bar;
• At least two years of experience practicing law;
• An appreciation for the mission of the Commission;
• Strong skills in written and verbal communication; and in legal research, analysis, and advocacy;
• An interest in, and a capability to contribute effectively to, the development of policies governing the Commission and law enforcement;
• A commitment to practicing ethically;
• A strong work ethic and dedication to producing work at the highest levels of quality;
• A commitment to handling confidential and sensitive information in accordance with privacy and security protocols, and with discretion;
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and satisfying any internal or external continuing legal education requirement;
• Proficiency with computers and the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and willingness to learn state- and Commission-specific electronic systems;
• Strong organizational skills, and attention to detail;
• The ability to take ownership of, and simultaneously advance, multiple initiatives, and meet expectations;
• The ability to achieve desired objectives in a relatively new and growing agency through patience, creative thinking, flexibility, and mission-driven approaches;
• An interest in mastering new areas, and the capability to do so;
• The ability to achieve results by working independently and with self-reliance;
• The ability to work with others efficiently and effectively;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; an appreciation for teamwork and collegiality; and an ability to interact well with people at all levels within the Commission, stakeholders, outside counsel, outside vendors, and members of the public;
• An appreciation of the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and of the importance of interacting respectfully and sensitively with people of different backgrounds;
• A willingness to perform routine administrative duties as needed;
• A commitment to reside in Massachusetts while employed by the Commission; and
• A willingness and ability to report to work in the Commission's Boston office when called upon to do so.

OTHER VALUED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
The Commission will also look favorably on a candidate's experience or familiarity with any of the following areas:

• Practicing law in the public sector;
• The work of, and law governing, state agencies, including commissions;
• Prosecuting or otherwise litigating matters in courts or before other tribunals;
• The conduct of adjudicatory and informal hearings;
• Labor and employment law;
• The Massachusetts Public Records Law, Open Meeting Law, Conflict of Interest Law, and Administrative Procedure Act;
• Contracting and procurement;
• Professional licensure and discipline;
• Investigations and audits;
• Data privacy and security;
• Document discovery;
• Legislative affairs and government relations;
• Legal compliance initiatives;
• Public policy development;
• Internal policy development;
• Starting up or building a new entity;
• Supervising others;
• Training and presenting to colleagues and others; and
• Editing the written work of others.

The Commission will especially value a candidate's interest in, and experience or familiarity with, the areas listed is the "Particular Needs" subsection above.