Labor Counsel

Human Resources Division (HRD)

Labor Counsel (Counsel II)

Organization:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Branch is one of the state's largest employers with over 43,000 employees that span 9 Secretariats and more than 70 agencies. The Commonwealth hires employees in all possible types of roles in a vast array of sectors including healthcare, transportation, education, public safety and technology. We are a diverse workforce that reflects the diverse population that we serve.

The mission of the Human Resources Division (HRD) is to attract, develop and retain a high performing workforce in order to ensure the delivery of constituent services across the Commonwealth. Presently, HRD is in the process of transforming its HR service delivery platform to improve the effectiveness of its service to recruit, develop, and retain top talent as well as to manage operations in a more streamlined and efficient manner. Through the transformation, HR will establish its capacity to act as an innovative business partner, known for strategic talent management in areas of workforce planning, recruitment, competency-based training and employee retention.

Position Overview:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking a new Labor Counsel (Counsel II) to join the Human Resources Division (HRD) team. This position is part of a six-member team, which reports directly to the General Counsel of HRD. The Labor Counsel will represent employers in the Commonwealth's labor and employment law related matters. The Labor Counsel will represent HRD and the Commonwealth's agencies before the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), Department of Labor Relations, Civil Service Commission and before labor arbitrators. He/she will consult on employment investigations and collective bargaining. In addition, the position requires strong legal research and writing skills. In our environment, lawyers are expected to work independently. Within a complex and highly-diverse work environment, this opportunity provides a quality environment and place to make an impact.

Primary Duties:

Represent the employer in all aspects of labor and employment law litigation before various administrative agencies. Consult with agency clients and provide legal advice. Assist with policy development and drafting of legislation. Research and draft legal memos. Assist investigators with ongoing investigations. Provide legal support to collective bargaining. Provide assistance to the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel as directed.

Qualifications

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least two-three years of experience in Labor Arbitration and/or Employment law public sector preferred.

• Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of law including labor and employment law.

• Prior Experience in Union setting or government agency.

• Past experience with MCAD, Civil Service, Department of Labor Relations

• Ability to travel throughout the commonwealth as assigned and necessary

• Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures;

• Ability to read and interpret legal documents such as decisions, briefs, opinions and contracts;

• Ability to understand and apply laws, rules and regulations governing agency operations and assigned unit activities;

• Ability to exercise sound judgment; ability to exercise discretion, in confidential information;

• Ability to explain the provisions of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures, guidelines and policies governing agency operations and assigned unit activities

• Ability to gather information through questioning and observing individuals and by examining records and documents;

• Ability to establish rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships with others,

• Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress;

• Ability to deal effectively with others; ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful and/or emergency situations,

• Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures; ability to maintain accurate records;

• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner, ability to conduct interviews;

• Ability to write concisely and effectively, to express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in logical sequence;

• Ability to make effective oral presentation; ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.

Total Compensation

As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are offered a great career opportunity influencing a wide-spectrum of services to the diverse populations we serve -but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which you should consider towards your total compensation, including:

• 75% state paid medical insurance premium

• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs

• Low cost basic and optional life insurance as well as long term disability (LTD)

• Affordable vision and dental coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (Mass4You)

• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan

• 11 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation and Personal Time

• Tuition Remission for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities

• Extended Illness program participation options

The Counsel II position salary range is $73,037.12 to $105,532.32; salary is determined in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Recruiting Guidelines.

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, admission to the Massachusetts Bar and (A) at least three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the practice of law.

Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid Motor Vehicle Drivers License at a Class level specific to assignment.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.