What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Public Health Hospital Bureau Counsel position at State of Massachusetts - Department of Public...?
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a dynamic attorney to serve as Chief Public Health Hospital (PHH) Counsel, an essential legal advisor and strategic partner to the state hospital system and the State Office of Pharmacy Services (SOPS). This leadership role ensures that the Commonwealth’s multi-specialty hospitals operate within all applicable legal frameworks while continuing to deliver high-quality, equitable care to patients across the state. As Chief Counsel, you will supervise a team of attorneys and support staff to provide expert legal guidance for the day-to-day legal needs of the PHH system as well as advising on legislative initiatives, regulations, and compliance issues that influence hospital governance, patient rights, and medical staff operations—playing a key role in protecting the integrity of public healthcare delivery.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape policy and practice within a system that directly impacts the health and wellbeing of communities statewide. As the head of the PHH Legal Unit, the Chief Counsel works closely with hospital leadership to foster collaboration and consistency across the hospitals. The role combines high-level legal strategy, leadership, and hands-on counsel, making it ideal for an experienced attorney who is passionate about public service and committed to ensuring the effective, lawful, and compassionate operation of Massachusetts’ public health hospitals.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Manage and coordinate all legal services for the Public Health Hospital (PHH) Bureau, including the public health hospitals and the State Office of Pharmacy Services (SOPS).
- Provide comprehensive legal counsel and written opinions to hospital leadership, governing boards, and senior management on matters affecting hospital operations and compliance.
- Oversee and supervise attorneys, paralegals, and support staff within the PHH Legal Unit, ensuring effective workload distribution, mentorship, and professional development.
- Advise on and interpret legislation, regulations, and policies impacting the PHH system, including open meeting law, conflict of interest law, public records law, and privacy regulations.
- Direct and manage administrative and tort claims, including malpractice, personal injury, and property damage, while ensuring timely resolution and risk mitigation.
- Represent the Department in legal proceedings, including guardianship petitions, commitment hearings, and other court matters involving PHH facilities and patients.
- Coordinate legal and regulatory compliance efforts among the PHH Bureau, SOPS, and other Department programs or bureaus to promote consistent and efficient practices.
- Develop and review hospital policies, internal procedures, and operational standards to maintain compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements.
- Provide guidance on contractual matters, interagency agreements, and collaborations with state and federal partners to support the PHH mission and operational goals.
- Evaluate and comment on proposed legislation and draft regulations and guidance documents to support the Department’s public health and legal objectives.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated leadership experience in managing legal personnel and overseeing a diverse and complex caseload within a public or healthcare setting.
- Comprehensive knowledge of trial and appellate practice, administrative law, and the regulatory frameworks governing healthcare delivery and public health operations.
- Proven ability in personnel management, strategic planning, organizational development, and fostering a collaborative and high-performing legal team.
- Expertise in health law as it applies to hospitals and pharmacy services, with a strong understanding of state and federal laws related to procurement, budgeting, human resources, confidentiality, conflict of interest, and open meeting requirements.
DPH Mission and Vision:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.
We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.
Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc
Pre-Hire 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.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.
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.
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!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
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.
