CSO is looking for a General Counsel.

The General Counsel serves as CSO's principal legal advisor, providing strategic leadership and oversight of all legal matters affecting CSO's programs and operations. The position serves as a key strategic and operational advisor to senior and other agency executives, and works closely with all levels of leadership to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, support ethical decision-making, manage risk, provide coaching, training, and professional development, and advance the organization's mission.

As General Counsel:

You Will:

• Serve as principal legal advisor on federal, state, and local laws affecting behavioral health services, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Medicaid/Medicare regulations, licensing requirements, employment law, and nonprofit governance.
• Work in collaboration with supervisor and senior executive leadership to ensure agency compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policies, including reported incidents of non-compliance or ethical breaches.
• Serve as an internal organizational consultant, strategic partner, and resource to site management and staff, providing counsel, outreach, and service in a variety of areas including employee relations, investigations, disciplinary actions, accommodations, compliance with federal/state labor laws and other topics as appropriate; identify professional development and training needs to strengthen and improve agency standards of practice.
• Provide consulting and administrative support to internal management to ensure proper execution of collective bargaining agreement; attend grievances, Labor/Management meetings, and negotiation sessions as appropriate, serving as agency liaison with labor union.
• Support HR in ensuring workplace policies, training, and compliance practices are updated and reflect current federal/state laws and regulations.
• Ensure adherence to nonprofit corporate governance standards, including IRS and state charity regulations.
• Provide support and guidance for compliance programs, policies, procedures, and training.
• In coordination with executive leadership, draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of contracts as needed and appropriate, including provider agreements, MOUs, grant agreements, business associate agreements, vendor contracts, real estate leases, etc.
• Support contract management in proper contract execution and oversight.
• Identify legal risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies in support of the organization's risk management program, including privacy, security, credentialing, and quality-assurance compliance.
• Provide guidance on ethical considerations in clinical practice, service delivery, and program operations.
• Support organizational documents and filings, including annual reports, charitable registrations, etc.
• Monitor regulatory and legislative developments affecting behavioral health and advise leadership accordingly; provide legal guidance for behavioral health initiatives, including community partnerships, data-sharing arrangements, integrated care models, etc.
• Work with Senior Executive leadership on acquisition or divestiture activity (i.e. due diligence, acquisition implementation, etc.), as may be needed and appropriate.
• Oversee and coordinate outside counsel for litigation, administrative hearings, audits, and investigations.
• Manage legal budgets, evaluate claims, and advise leadership on dispute resolution strategies.
• Stay abreast of local, state and federal changes to current law, current issues, and required competencies. Conduct project and policy research related to areas of responsibility.
• Ensure that legal frameworks support equitable access, client rights, and culturally responsive care.

Your Background:

• Juris Doctorate (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with Massachusetts bar or ability to obtain in-state licensure if required
• 7-10 years of relevant legal experience, including substantial experience in healthcare, behavioral health, nonprofit, or public-sector law
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

We also seek applicants who embody CSO's values by being:

• Positive -- maintaining resiliency and focusing on solutions
• Respectful -- collaborating and effectively communicating
• Insightful -- demonstrating self-awareness and effectively priority setting
• Conscientious -- taking accountability and applying feedback

What We Offer:

Competitive salaries, full health and dental coverage, free CEUs for in-house training, ample paid time off, a 403B retirement savings plan, employee referral bonuses, group rate supplemental insurances, a premier employee assistance program, personal cell phone plan discounts, and a flexible, supportive work environment fostering collaboration.

Our Agency:

Clinical & Support Options, Inc. is a dynamic behavioral health organization serving Western Massachusetts for over 50 years. With offices across Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, and beyond, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families. Join our team of over 650 multi-disciplinary staff and become part of a collaborative environment where excellence is fostered internally and partnerships are forged externally with community organizations. At CSO, you'll find a flexible and supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and growth. Join us and make a positive impact on thousands of lives in our communities!

CSO was voted a "Healthcare Industry Top Workplace" in 2023, 2024 and 2025. We are the fastest-growing Behavioral Health agency in Western Massachusetts. CSO has consistently received high marks on their internal employee satisfaction survey, noting that over 90% of CSO staff would recommend CSO as a great place to work.?We encourage you to check us out!

CSO offers?Training in: Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Skills and more.?

EOE/AA