Deputy General Counsel - Facility Accreditation, Regulatory and Compliance

The Deputy General Counsel (DGC) plays a crucial role in providing high-level legal counsel to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) in areas such as regulatory compliance, risk management, and facility accreditation. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders within DMH, including the State Medical Director and Deputy Commissioner for Clinical & Professional Services, to navigate complex legal issues involving DMH operated, contracted or licensed mental health facilities. As the primary legal advisor on in-patient facility regulatory and compliance issues, the DGC will oversee legal matters related to facility licensing, accreditation, and operational policies, ensuring adherence to state and federal laws while promoting the highest standards in mental health services.

This leadership role is ideal for a seasoned legal professional with a strong background in healthcare and mental health law. The DGC will manage and mentor attorneys and paralegals, collaborate with other state agencies, and contribute to the development of strategic initiatives to mitigate legal risks and enhance operational effectiveness. With a focus on continuous improvement and proactive risk management, the DGC will also play an essential role in legislative analysis, policy development, and interagency coordination, all while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment dedicated to delivering quality mental health care across the Commonwealth.

Please note: Travel to other DMH offices and facilities is required for this position. Candidate will need access to reliable transportation.

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

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to senior leadership within the Department of Mental Health (DMH), including the State Medical Director and Deputy Commissioner for Clinical & Professional Services.
• Provide legal guidance on regulatory compliance, risk management, facility accreditation, and contractual matters across all DMH operated, contracted, and licensed mental health facilities.
• Oversee the legal aspects of licensing, accreditation, hospital regulations, and service authorizations for DMH-operated and contracted facilities.
• Draft, analyze, and interpret state and federal legislation, regulations, and compliance requirements to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
• Manage legal support for licensure enforcement activities, including preparation for administrative hearings and related litigation.
• Develop and implement proactive strategies to mitigate legal risk and ensure continuous performance improvement in DMH operations.
• Collaborate with internal and external legal teams, including EOHHS, DPH, DDS, and other agencies, to address complex legal issues and operational concerns.
• Lead and mentor attorneys and paralegals, ensuring effective legal support for the agency's operations and compliance initiatives.
• Represent DMH in inter-agency workgroups, external legal matters, and advocacy efforts before judicial and administrative agencies.

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed to practice law in Massachusetts as an active member of the Massachusetts bar.
• A minimum of six (6) years of professional experience in a specialized field, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal healthcare and mental health laws, regulations, and standards.
• Expertise in legal analysis, statutory drafting, and interpretation, with the ability to write and analyze regulations effectively.
• Proven experience in providing legal counsel on complex regulatory, compliance, and risk management issues.
• Exceptional oral and written advocacy skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complex, time-sensitive legal and administrative matters in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in fostering a culture of diversity, respect, and inclusion within a professional setting.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, handle sensitive issues professionally, and make sound legal recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of state administrative procedures, including G.L. c. 30A, and healthcare-related regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in managing legal teams or supervising staff in a legal or regulatory environment.
• In-depth understanding of the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) terms of participation and Joint Commission Accreditation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and analyze complex legislation, regulations, waivers, and enforcement actions.
• Familiarity with mental health and healthcare facility operations, including licensure and accreditation processes.
• Proven track record of navigating high-stakes litigation and regulatory enforcement cases.
• Strong ability to develop and implement strategic legal and risk management plans within a large organization.
• Ability to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously while maintaining focus on long-term institutional goals.
• Experience working with interagency agreements to enhance operational and regulatory oversight
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and improving legal practices through training and participation in industry forums.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Hire Process:

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired.

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 Record 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 ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form .

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

Qualifications:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

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!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

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.