Deputy General Counsel / Clerk of the Civil Service Commission

Agency Overview:

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is an impartial, independent appellate tribunal that hears and decides appeals filed by certain state and municipal civil service employees and applicants seeking public employment. See mass.gov/csc for details. In short, the Commission is a quasi-judicial agency charged with ensuring that public employees, and those seeking appointment as public employees, receive fair and impartial treatment in all aspects of personnel administration. Appeals received by the Commission (almost 250, on average, per year) generally regard appointments, promotions, disciplinary matters, examinations, and requests for reclassification. The Commission envisions a Commonwealth where all public employment decisions are made based on merit, free of an extraneous personal or any political considerations. The Commisiion seeks to provide all parties with an accessible, transparent, and predictable decision-making process; and render decisions with an unprejudiced mind, guided by the correct rules of law and common sense. 

Position Summary: 

The Deputy General Counsel and Clerk of the Commission is an important member of the Commission’s legal and administrative team. Working closely with the General Counsel, Chair, and Commissioners, the incumbent provides legal and policy advice on matters before the Commission and helps develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices that support the Commission’s mission. The incumbent works on a range of complex legal and operational matters, including Commission decisions, investigations, hearings, legal compliance matters, public records, case administration, and organizational improvement. The Deputy General Counsel is expected to exercise sound independent judgment, identify issues and opportunities for improvement, and develop practical recommendations for Commission leadership. As Clerk of the Commission, the holder of this position will help oversee the administrative processes that support the Commission’s adjudicatory work and works with staff and external stakeholders to promote consistent, efficient, and accessible procedures.  As Clerk of the Commission, the incumbent will also serve as a resource to external parties by assisting them with all aspects of compliance with Commission rules, procedural orders, and protocols necessary for the pursuit of appeals and preparation for evidentiary hearings. The holder of this position will also participate in projects involving case management, records, technology, performance information, and other areas that support the Commission’s operations.

A More Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Deputy General Counsel and Clerk of the Commission will be expected to provide thoughtful legal and policy advice, work independently on complex matters, and help develop and implement Commission policies, procedures, and practices that support effective and consistent operations. As Clerk, the position also plays an important hands-on role in the day-to-day administration of Commission proceedings, including coordinating case processing and hearing preparation, maintaining accurate case and administrative records, assisting parties with procedural requirements, and helping ensure that Commission matters move efficiently through the adjudicatory process.  Key duties and responsibilities are as follows:

A. Work with the General Counsel, Chair, and Commissioners on legal, policy, and operational matters, including preparation of proposed decisions for Full Commission disposition, research into novel or unsettled issues of law, and development or updating of Commission policies, procedures, and operational guidance.

B. Facilitate, and in some instances undertake, investigations into alleged violations of General Laws Chapter 31; provide legal and practical recommendations concerning significant or complex investigative matters.

C. Oversee the administrative preparation for formal evidentiary hearings, including ensuring that exhibits, exhibit lists, and participant lists are submitted in a timely manner consistent with Commission procedures and established protocols. Identify opportunities to improve hearing preparation and related administrative practices.

D. Provide legal and administrative support to assigned adjudicators during complex evidentiary proceedings and, as appropriate, serve as hearings examiner in less complicated cases. Offer recommendations to improve the consistency and effectiveness of Commission proceedings.

E. Review and improve templates, procedures, and other tools used in case processing; support the orderly closing of administrative records. Recommend practical improvements that promote efficient and consistent case administration.

F. Serve as the Commission’s Records Access Officer and the Keeper of CSC Records for purposes of responding to subpoenas and public records requests. Advise on public records and records-management matters and work with Commission staff to ensure that applicable requirements and procedures are followed consistently, including compliance with the Commission’s published Privacy Protocols, Standards, and Notes.

G. Help oversee the Commission’s videoconferencing and remote digital recording systems and recommend improvements, as necessary, that support reliable, accessible, and accurate records of evidentiary hearings.

H. Work with Commission staff, as necessary, on the website and related public information resources, and recommend improvements that enhance access to Commission information.

I. Respond to inquiries from the public, parties, and attorneys regarding Commission policies, procedures, and scheduling; provide case status information; serve as a liaison between parties and Commission personnel; and use feedback to identify opportunities to improve Commission processes and service.

J. Work on other legal, policy, administrative, and organizational matters assigned by the Chair, General Counsel, or members of the Commission, including projects that support the Commission’s mission and improve its operations.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

1.  Ability to grasp and respect the fundamental principles of administrative law (e.g., due process), basic merit principles, and related provisions of civil service law and the rules governing Commission proceedings.

2. Ability to set goals and timelines, use appropriate measures to assess progress, and identify practical opportunities for improvement.

3.  Ability to identify and think through problems, organize information, and identify key factors and underlying causes to generate solutions.

4.  Ability to work cooperatively with others and be part of a team.

5. Ability to communicate effectively, build consensus, and provide thoughtful advice and professional service to colleagues, stakeholders, and members of the public.

6. Ability to exercise sound independent judgment when precedents, policies, or guidelines are limited or evolving.

7. Ability to respond effectively to changing legal, policy, and operational priorities while maintaining sound judgment and attention to detail.

8. Ability to establish priorities, coordinate work across functions, and organize processes so that Commission objectives are achieved efficiently and consistently.

9. Ability to analyze organizational and program information, identify trends or systemic issues, draw sound conclusions, and make recommendations concerning policy, procedure, technology, or other operational improvements.

10. Ability to foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, respect (including for those from all backgrounds), and inclusion.

11. Strong legal research skills and the ability rapidly to acquire knowledge of laws governing public sector employment.

12. Strong legal writing, communication, presentation, and stakeholder-engagement skills, including the ability to provide clear advice on complex or sensitive matters.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENT

• A valid driver's license. 

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES THE CSC WOULD WELCOME IN A CANDIDATE:

• Experience practicing law in a law firm, court, or government office, particularly involving government practice, administrative adjudication, legal counseling, or policy-related work.

• Experience working with records or document management systems related to litigation, legal practices/procedures, and/or electronic discovery.

• Experience with the Massachusetts public records law and responding to public records requests.

• Experience with case management software applications and web-based videoconferencing tools.

• Experience researching and interpreting the laws, rules, and regulations.

        First consideration for those who apply within the first 14 days. 

The Commission 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.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.