MASSHEALTH Board of Hearings is seeking an experienced paralegal for the role of Paralegal Specialist. The incumbent will be responsible for the coordination of Provider Claims for Adjudicatory Hearing upon filing, to determine legal validity of the claim. The Paralegal Specialist will perform scheduling duties and coordinate requests for document production from the MassHealth legal unit, the Privacy Office and/or appellant/authorized representative. The Paralegal Specialist will complete transcription requests and billing and assist in any/all post-hearing filings. The incumbent will be responsible for issuing provider proposed and final decisions as well as all member appeals. The Paralegal Specialist will be responsible for redaction of all decisions (provider/member) before saving to public drive; assessing legal documents; preparing cases for administrative hearings; analyzing proposed legislation; respond to inquiries concerning formal interpretation of agency laws, rules and regulations, and perform related work as required. The Paralegal Specialist will maintain and/or update tracking of c. 30A Superior Court appeals and create and maintain the Board of Hearings’ library of higher court decisions.

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

• Obtain knowledge and expertise of Board of Hearings regulations.
• Work independently and productively.
• Assume cooperative role in achieving Board of Hearings goals.
• Demonstrate strong research and writing skills.
• Follow assignments to completion.
• Willing to take on projects and assignments.
• Work without constant supervision.
• Recognizes issues that require supervisory involvement and promptly notifies supervisor(s).
• Establishes rapport and cooperative working relationship with Board of Hearing staff, appellants, providers, attorneys, authorized representatives, and supervisor(s).
• Identifies issues and problems in the evaluation of filed appeals.
• Make legal determinations on the validity of filings.
• Handle requests for expedited appeals.
• Work on manage care entity (“MCE”) appeals to ascertain proper jurisdiction.
• Work with Program Coordinator IIIs on outreach to MassHealth representatives and/or Constituent Affairs as needed.
• Create tracking system of all appeals placed on hold, include status updates.
• Draft dismissals of appeals.
• Draft and render final decisions on requests to vacate on authorization interim dismissals, timeliness, and failure to prosecute.
• Organize hearing file exhibits orderly and uniformly.
• Facilitate telephonic, in person, and/or virtual hearings for hearing officers.
• Manage time for tasks with set deadlines.
• Respond to incomplete filings with dismissals (with option to vacate dismissal).
• Assist in the preparation of legal documents such as briefs, summaries, and responses to inquiries for director, deputy director, and hearing officers.
• Support hearing officers on jurisdictional questions, the preparation of hearings, and case management.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
• Assist with general office intake and scheduling processes as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active, empathetic listener with strong writing and verbal communications skills.
• Genuine service-orientated individual with a commitment to effective customer service and concern for others’ needs.
• Keen attention to detail; the ability to research and analyze complex filings.
• Sound judgment with an aptitude to keep composed in difficult situations.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, Teams and Excel.

TO APPLY:

Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

About MASSHEALTH:

To improve the health outcomes of our diverse members and their families by providing access to integrated health care services that promote sustainable & equitable health, well-being, independence and quality of life.

For more information about our agency and programs please visit: www.mass.gov/masshealth

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

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 Records 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 Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #2.

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, paraprofessional experience in legal research or legal assistant work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in paralegal studies may be substituted for the required experience.

II. Completion of one year of study at a recognized, degree-granting law school may be substituted for the required experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

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!

Official Title : Paralegal Specialist

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Quincy - 100 Hancock Street

Job : Legal Services

Agency : Exec Office Of Health and Human Services

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Mar 8, 2023, 8:38:05 AM

Number of Openings : 1

Salary : 56,579.12 - 80,651.48 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Johny Laine/Johny.Laine@mass.gov - 6173485067

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Hybrid Work Eligible : Yes