Deputy General Counsel- Community Services, Program Integrity and Compliance

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Job Description - Deputy General Counsel
- Community Services, Program Integrity and Compliance (260001P7)

As Deputy General Counsel for the Department of Mental Health, you will play an essential role in guiding the agency through a complex legal landscape that supports community-based and residential mental health services across Massachusetts. This position offers the opportunity to directly shape the integrity, compliance, and operational oversight of programs that serve both adults and minors, ensuring alignment with intricate and evolving state and federal regulations.

You will serve as the primary legal advisor for major service divisions and collaborate with senior leadership, external stakeholders, and interagency teams to promote a legally sound, client-centered system of care.

This senior legal leadership role combines high-impact advisory responsibilities with strategic oversight of legal staff and regulatory initiatives. From shaping legislative and policy frameworks to overseeing administrative litigation and risk management, the Deputy General Counsel is integral to upholding accountability, driving performance improvement, and fostering an inclusive legal culture within the agency. This is a dynamic opportunity for a seasoned legal professional who is passionate about advancing public mental health through thoughtful legal stewardship and collaborative governance.

• Provide legal counsel on a broad range of issues including state and federal statutes, regulations, and compliance for community-based mental health services.
• Serve as primary legal advisor on regulatory, contractual, and compliance matters for DMH-operated or licensed community and residential programs.
• Oversee legal guidance related to the development, procurement, and management of mental health services for adults and minors, ensuring risk mitigation and program integrity.
• Represent DMH in administrative appeals, hearings, and enforcement actions related to community and residential programs, service authorization, and special education matters.
• Draft, review, and analyze legislation, regulations, and guidance to ensure legal alignment with evolving mental health service delivery models.
• Lead coordination of interagency agreements to strengthen operational and regulatory oversight across community-based programs.
• Monitor agency risk, compliance, and program integrity, collaborating with internal teams to identify corrective actions and improve operational practices.
• Provide expert legal advice to internal stakeholders, including Mental Health Services, Child Youth and Family Services, and Office of Behavioral Health Promotion leadership, on critical legal and regulatory matters impacting operations.
• Lead and mentor a team of legal and paralegal staff, providing training and direction to ensure adherence to legal standards and effective case management.
• Serve as a key member of the Office of General Counsel leadership team, contributing to professional development initiatives and supporting strategic goals for legal capacity expansion.

• A minimum of six years of professional legal experience, with at least two years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• In-depth knowledge of state and federal healthcare and mental health laws, including related regulations and compliance requirements.
• Extensive experience in legal analysis, statutory drafting, and interpretation, with a focus on regulatory and policy development.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to advocate effectively in both legal and policy matters.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex legal issues, prioritize tasks, and handle time-sensitive matters effectively.
• Experience working in or with public agencies, particularly in the fields of mental health, healthcare, or human services.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and departments.
• Proven track record of leadership in managing legal teams, fostering a positive work environment, and promoting professional growth.
• Ability to navigate and address issues related to program integrity, risk management, and compliance, while promoting diversity and inclusion.

Please Note: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and current, valid admission to the Massachusetts Bar.

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.

A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set…