The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission isto protect, promote and enhance ourcommon wealthof natural, cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all.The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission. DCR's Office of General Counsel (OGC) is comprised of a team of attorneys andlegalsupport staff, the Land Protection Program, andtheOffice of Long-Term Permits and Leases. The OGC supportsthe Department in all its core functions, doingeverything fromadvising DCR staff ona range of legal matters; reviewing and analyzing proposed and current legislation and regulations;working with private landowners and partners on land acquisition projects; maintaining the agency’s vast land records collection; managing public records requests;assisting in the review and implementation of policies; managing long-term permits and leases on Department property; drafting agreements;supporting the Department’s administration, finance, and contract/procurement programs; and much more. Given the broad mission and activities of the agency, the Office of General Counsel serves the Department by providing legal services on a wide range of issues that concern the Department and its more than1000 employees. * *GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Program Coordinator II (Legal Support Specialist) will coordinate and monitor assigned OGC activities; review and analyze data and information concerning agency programs; assist the Records Access Officer with public records requests; provide technical assistance and advice to agency personnel and others; respond to inquiries; and maintain liaison relationships with various staff, departments, and agencies. The basic purpose of this work is to coordinate, monitor, develop, and implement programs for the Department and the Office of General Counsel within DCR. * *DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Respond within required time frames to Public Records Requests. a. Coordinate the gathering of all responsive documents and review for material or data falling within statutory exemptions. Inspect/review requested documents. Copy and disseminate requested documents. b. Assist in coordination of all media, non-routine, and other sensitive requests that may impact other departments/agencies of the Commonwealth. c. Handle sensitive and/or confidential subpoena requests that may involve the review and release of personnel or other sensitive records. Handle inquiries from other governmental agencies that may impact the Department. 2. Within required time frames, investigate and make recommendations pertaining to all MGL c. 258 claims presented against the Department. a. Obtain information from staff, insurance agents and claimants; assess and analyze claim information; and negotiate small settlements. b. Assist the Office of the Attorney General in the defense of claims filed against the Department. c. Occasionally conduct on-site investigation (this includes interviewing witnesses and staff) of major incidents and make recommendations based on risk assessment. d. Aid in the development of new or revised Department policies or directives. 3. Perform Construction Contract Reviews against a checklist of items. 4. Land Disposition Processing which includes preparing property transfer (DCAMM TR-1) forms including all relevant information and input from Department staff and signatures. 5. Evaluate, correct entries in Claims/Torts database and produce written reports at the request of OGC, AGO, and EEA. 6. Assist Legal Department in library projects. 7. Maintain and update real estate transaction reports, litigation reports, tracking reports, and public records database or spreadsheets on at least a monthly basis. 8. Handle constituent calls and correspondence for information concerning various Office of General Counsel matters. 9. Provide training on new or revised department policies or directives. Review new and revised department manuals and/or handbooks. Perform related duties such as preparing correspondence; scheduling appointments and meetings and obtaining and preparing background materials prior to meetings. Prepare documents for review and approval by legal counsel. 10. Coordinate and monitor assigned program activities in order to ensure effective operations and compliance with established standards. 11. Review and analyze data concerning assigned agency programs in order to determine progress and effectiveness, to make recommendations for changes in procedures, guidelines, etc. and to devise methods of accomplishing program objectives. 12.Provide technical assistance and advice to agency personnel and others concerning assigned programs in order to exchange information, resolve problems, and to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and standards. 13.Respond to inquiries from agency staff and others in order to provide information concerning assigned agency programs. 14. Maintain relationships, and liaise, with various private, local, state, and federal agencies and others in order to exchange information and/or to resolve problems. 15. Attend meetings and conferences as directed; maintain records and prepare reports. 16. Perform related duties as assigned by Office of General Counsel. This position may also: 1. Provide on-the-job training and orientation for other employees; 2. Develop and implement procedures and guidelines to accomplish assigned agency program objectives and goals;_ 3. Review reports, memoranda, etc. for completeness, accuracy, and content;_ 4. Confer with management staff and other agency personnel in order to determine program requirements and availability of resources and to develop criteria and standards for program evaluation; and_ 5. Evaluate program activities in order to determine progress and effectiveness and to make recommendations concerning changes, as needed._ * *PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 1. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to clearly and concisely express thoughts and develop ideas in a logical manner. 2. Ability to communicate effectively and politely in face-to-face situations with internal and external individuals or groups. 3. Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet urgent; emergency or changing requirements. 4. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information. 5. Ability to work independently, efficiently and to gather and produce information quickly. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. * * MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the-required experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.* III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. _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. Job: Administrative Services* *Organization: Department of Conservation & Recreation *Title: *Program Coordinator II - Legal Support Specialist Location: Massachusetts-10 Park Plaza Requisition ID: 23000DRK