Revenue Paralegal Specialist

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking a mission-driven, highly organized individual to fill the role of Revenue Paralegal Specialist. This position will perform duties such as developing case tracking systems; preparing correspondence; operating office machines; filing required documents in an established filing system and/or electronically in the agency’s case management system. 

The incumbent will act as a paralegal for the Massachusetts Child Welfare Agency.  Assist the agency to meet federal law requirements under Title IV-E and IV-B of the Social Security Act and to assist lawyers, legal mangers, and the clinical staff to meet the requirements under state and federal law with a focus on maximizing federal reimbursement for agency activities and audits of those requirements. 

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

• Assists legal offices and the area office staff with tracking and obtaining legal documents to comply with State and Federal mandates that are needed for federal reimbursement and audits.

• Assist lawyers and legal managers with required legal documentation for obtaining federal reimbursements under Title IV-E of the Social Security act for foster care placements, adoptions or kinship guardianships in actions filed in Juvenile Court, as well as Probate and Family Court.

• Maintain a working relationship with the Area Office, Legal staff, and Court personnel to ensure the timely processing of and obtaining the required documentation under State and Federal Law.

• Maintain a working relationship with the Department’s revenue unit and revenue vendor.

• Meeting regularly with the Department’s revenue vendor, the EOHHS revenue unit, and the Office of the General Counsel to facilitate communication and smooth operations between the revenue unit and the legal offices. 

• Assist the Office of General Counsel and agency as need in modifying its State Plan under Title IV-E and IV-B and in obtaining documents that are needed for various audits conducted to meet Title IV-E requirements or other state of federal laws or requirements. 

• As requested, research and analyze law sources such as statutes, recorded judicial decisions, opinions, determinations, and rulings in order to assist the agency in understanding and meeting its obligations under Title IV-E, IV-B and other federal revenue sources. 

Required Qualifications:

·     Excellent time-management skills and ability to prioritize work.

·     Ability to exercise sound judgment and interact effectively with people.

·     Ability to conduct interviews and write concisely and effectively to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence.

·     Ability to read and understand legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions, and contracts.

Preferred Qualifications:

·     Strong interpersonal, problem resolution, and oral and written communication skills.

·     Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel and Word

·     Ability to work well with staff, Department contractors/service providers and state-contracted vendors

·     Experience handling confidential information.

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.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dcf

Pre-Hire Process:

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 http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori.  

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 published on the Commonwealth’s website. 

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.  

Substitutions:  

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.  

II. Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience.  

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

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!

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.