Deputy General Counsel, Procurement, Contracts and Compliance

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) seeks an experienced business transactions and regulatory compliance attorney to join the DMH Office of the General Counsel as Deputy General Counsel for Procurement, Contracts and Compliance. This position advises on the agency’s procurement and contracting strategies, ensures compliance with applicable statutes and regulations, and supports implementation of best practice business processes and internal controls.

The ideal candidate for this position brings strong leadership experience in procurement, contracts, and business transaction law. The selected candidate will be expected to provide legal advice and guidance on an array of legal matters involving DMH, with a particular focus on health and human service contracts, procurements and grant agreements; draft high-quality agreements, memoranda, and other documents; negotiate disputes in the best interest of the Commonwealth; provide analysis and interpretation of applicable laws, policies, and contract provisions; participate in meetings and decision making on relevant issues and projects; and to perform such other legal services as may be needed to support the General Counsel and DMH.  

The Deputy General Counsel for Procurement, Contracts and Compliance will be expected to oversee all legal requirements for competitive procurement, purchasing, and contract management requirements for goods and services, including use of the COMMBUYS eProcurement platform to ensure an open, fair, efficient and competitive procurements and contracts.   This position collaborates closely with the department’s senior leadership team and program directors.

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

• Legal advice on a broad range of issues including the interpretation of state and federal statutes and regulations, risk management, and compliance.

• Serves as primary legal counsel on regulatory, contractual, and compliance issues for DMH the Office of Management & Budget and the Office of Data & Analytics.

• Provides legal guidance to DMH senior leaders involved in developing procurements and contracts, managing the procurement and award process, managing the contract development and execution process, managing the grant application and execution process, and supporting contract compliance efforts.

• Represents DMH through participation in inter-agency workgroups and coordination with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), the Operational Service Division (OSD), the Office of the State Comptroller, the Supplier Diversity Office, and other state agencies regarding procurement and contracting related issues.

• Represents DMH in the negotiation, execution, implementation, and monitoring of complex procurements, contracts, grants, and inter-agency agreements and memoranda of understanding to assure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, including but not limited to state and federal privacy rules such as the HIPAA privacy and security rules as may be applicable.

• Directs, trains and advises DMH staff regarding state and federal laws and regulations applicable to DMH procurements, contracts, grants, data-disclosure agreements, business associate agreements, leases, and other business, financial and programmatic transactions.

• Provides legal guidance to senior DMH leadership regarding internal controls, risk mitigation, and best practice procedures to prevent fraud and abuse.

• Actively monitors agency risk, compliance and program integrity to identify areas for requiring corrective actions, including coordination on program integrity matters involving the EOHHS Compliance Officer and the Office of the Inspector General.

• Provides legal guidance for contractual and licensure enforcement activities, including preparation of corrective actions and cases for administrative hearings and related litigation.

• Promotes a positive work environment that encourages all staff to work collaboratively to identify and address challenges and opportunities to improve existing practices and procedures.

• Engages in active professional development as a participant and trainer to improve professional practice and expand OGC legal capacity.

• Other Legal assignments as directed by the General Counsel

Preferred Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge of government procurement and contracting rules, 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.

• 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, promoting professional growth, diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to navigate and address issues related to program integrity, risk management, and compliance.

• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency. 

Special requirement: Current & valid admission to the Massachusetts Bar.

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-Offer 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.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: 

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

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

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.

Special requirement: Current & valid admission to the Massachusetts Bar.

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.