Administrative Assistant - Alternative Commitment Registration Support Unit, Private Counsel Di

Application Instructions

All applicants must apply directly through the CPCS iCIMS website. Use the following link to apply: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./job

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), the public defender agency for Massachusetts, provides attorneys for indigent individuals in criminal and related cases. CPCS represents clients in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, family regulation, guardianship, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as appeals and post‑conviction proceedings.

The Alternative Commitment and Registration Support Unit (ACRSU) ensures that eligible adults and youth have access to legal representation in “sexually dangerous person” (SDP) civil commitment and sex offender registry board (SORB) proceedings. The Malden litigation unit comprises a Supervising Attorney, two Trial Attorneys, a Paralegal, and an Administrative Assistant. The unit represents clients in SDP jury trials in Superior Court.

The Administrative Assistant works with attorneys in the litigation unit representing clients in SDP proceedings. The role supports efficient operations of the busy office and may be cross‑trained to assist private panel support work when needed. The Administrative Assistant reports to the Supervising Attorney of the Malden litigation unit.

Courage
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of our assigned clients through zealous advocacy, community‑oriented defense, and the fullness of excellent legal representation. We embrace and endorse diversity, equity, and inclusion as our core values and strive to create a respectful work climate for all staff members.

• Provide administrative support to the SDP Trial office attorneys and paralegal, including phone reception, word and data processing, copying, scanning, and redacting legal documents.
• Perform various administrative functions such as preparing case files in electronic and paper format, preparing statistical reports, and using case‑management systems.
• Communicate with internal and external contacts at all levels, including courts, prison staff for client records, prisoners for collect calls, and expert witnesses and specialists.
• Ensure that office systems and agency procedures are administered effectively.
• Assist with administrative support tasks to ensure efficient operation of the ACRSU office.
• Work collaboratively with other administrative and clerical staff to coordinate services, track CLEs of private counsel attorneys, and coordinate trainings.
• Provide support to the Director of unit, attorneys, and the other administrative assistant.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, creative, detail‑oriented, enjoys interacting with people in a friendly work environment, and takes satisfaction in working in an agency that protects the fundamental legal rights of indigent persons.

Applicants must have at least one year of full‑time or equivalent part‑time experience in administrative work, or any equivalent combination of experience and the following substitution:

• An Associate’s degree or higher with a major in business administration, business management, or public administration may substitute for the required experience.

Applicants must also have reliable home internet access to work remotely.

• Strong organizational and writing abilities.
• Ability to work independently.
• Effective communication on the telephone and by email with clients, attorneys, court personnel, and others.
• Good problem‑solving and judgment skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and work as a team.
• Experience with Word, Excel, Adobe, Windows, Teams, and video platforms.
• Typing speed of 50‑60 wpm preferred.
• Legal office experience.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality.
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system and/or mental health issues is a plus.

The Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other applicable federal and state statutes and organizational policies.

Applicants who have questions about equal employment opportunity or need reasonable accommodations can contact the Chief Human Resources Officer, Sandra DeBow‑Huang, at