Fair Hearing Paralegal Specialist Supervisor

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ALERT Effective January 25, 2024, Executive Order #627 cements the Commonwealth's well-established practice of skills-based hiring, paving the way to a more equitable hiring process. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to serve our citizens. Join us today! Job Description - Fair Hearing Paralegal Specialist Supervisor (24000AOP) The Department of Children and Families (DCF) seeks a mission-driven individual with legal experience to fill the Fair Hearing Paralegal Specialist Supervisor role. The selected candidate will assist the Fair Hearing Director, Supervisors, and Hearing Officers through the supervision of the paralegal specialists in their response to fair hearing requests, discovery requests, and inquiries about the process from Appellants. The incumbent will also review draft correspondence and orders and ensure that fair hearing filings/data are maintained for each case. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and are not all inclusive): Supports the day-to-day operational needs of the Fair Hearing Unit, including drafting Fair Hearing decisions per DCF regulatory time frames and providing guidance to DCF staff and Appellants on Fair Hearing-related procedures. Participates in the recruitment and training of Fair Hearing Unit paralegal staff. Provides supervision, assistance, and support to the Fair Hearing Unit paralegal staff in pre and post hearing matters, including discovery and data entry of Fair Hearing information into the DCF database (iFamilyNet). Conducts monthly paralegal staff meetings and assists with ongoing training/professional development for paralegals. Assists with technical assistance activities, including updating procedure manuals and maintaining updated Fair Hearing files. Discusses fair hearing cases to provide preliminary determination regarding the settlement of fair hearing disputes where appropriate. Reviews and assists in the analysis of Fair Hearing Unit data and make recommendations for systematic changes. Provides exceptional customer service to the consumers/Appellants/attorneys, and assists in resolving consumer complaints and staff questions. Maintains 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. Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of the Fair Hearing Unit. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated understanding of the DCF mission, programs, and priorities. Strong commitment to public service; knowledge of the child welfare system in Massachusetts. Knowledge & experience of Fair Hearing paralegal duties and responsibilities, including drafting fair hearing decisions/ findings. Proven ability to write concisely and effectively, as well as the ability to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence. Knowledge/experience in use of DCF Fair Hearing database and analyzing Fair Hearing data. Capacity to maintain accurate records and exercise discretion in handling confidential information. Demonstrated ability to multi-task, work under pressure and perform various tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to document information clearly and concisely. Superb ability to read and understand legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions, and contracts. Proven track record as a cooperative team player, but also self-motivated. To Apply: Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. 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. 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 . 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-02-01