Associate Director of Legal Services, Human Resources & Risk Management

Primarily responsible for the general oversite for the following: Legal Services, Human Resources, Risk Management and Vital Records. Provide oversight, leadership, and direction in the development and execution of policies and procedures to be used by the staff and coordination of activities with local, state, and national collaborators is paramount.

The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position but are not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.

1. Direct and supervise the work of the Office of Legal Services, Risk Management and Human Resources through the hiring of skilled employees. Provide training and appraisal of subordinates, recommendation of associated personnel actions, definition of individual and group responsibilities, determination of priorities and deadlines, evaluation of the quality and effectiveness of the unit work, and initiation of changes or corrections to programs or processes, when appropriate, to ensure the quality and consistency of the unit. Evaluate staffing requirements and make recommendations and/or provides justification for increases or decreases to each program’s staffing levels.
2. Supervise the planning, implementation and evaluation of the unit’s operations, and the coordination of programs with other departments.
3. Participate in the development of Tulsa Health Department (THD) policies, procedures, protocols, and programs; serve as a member of committees, teams, and task forces to assist in the coordination of activities, the effective management of the Office and THD, and to contribute professional expertise.
4. Develop new or modified policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency; interpret and communicate THD management decisions, policies, procedures, and directives to personnel; and communicate staff needs and suggestions to administration as appropriate.
5. Develop, implement, and administer annual budgets to ensure sound fiscal management. Approve the acquisition of materials and supplies for the unit.
6. Ensure the drafting of correspondence and agreements, contracts, and other legal documents to ensure the Department’s full legal rights.
7. Collaborate with internal and external entities to ensure that annual training courses are implemented to reduce the risk of litigation i.e. HIPAA training etc.
8. Engage in all EEOC complaints and governmental inquiries, while assuring a timely and thorough response.
9. Assure the Legal Services Department, Human Resources Department, Risk Management, and the Vital Records Office, meet clearly defined metrics and outcomes.
10. Apply effective risk management techniques and offer proactive advice on possible legal issues.
11. Ensure state and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines are followed, which may directly or indirectly impact the Department.
12. Ensure legal matters involving the Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, Department staff, and the Board of Health are addressed in a timely manner.
13. Assure Department investigations are conducted with integrity and thoroughly, so that clear, concise recommendations for the legal positions of the Department can be executed.
14. Ensure that the Department is represented at local, state, and national levels regarding public health law.
15. Execute special projects assigned by the Executive Director or Associate Executive Director.
16. Provide mentoring and coaching for the Legal Services Department, Human Resources Department, Risk Management, and the Vital Records Office.
17. Maintain involvement in the recruiting and hiring practices and procedures necessary to recruit and hire a stable workforce.
18. Direct the preparation of reports and maintenance of records of the unit’s activities.
19. Engage in the addition or revision of personnel policies.
20. Perform legislative functions for the agency.
21. Other duties and responsibilities as delegated by the Executive Director.
22. Complete training required in support of the duties and responsibilities of this position.
23. Other duties as assigned including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

Education: Either a Juris Doctorate or a Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field is required.

Experience: Experience in employment law, human resources and agency compliance. Five to seven years of progressively responsible work experience in a public health environment, demonstrating skills in supervision of a diverse workforce, fiscal management, and the ability to relate to a wide variety of constituents.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Proven success as a strong, motivated leader.
• Strong and precise decision maker
• Self-motivated and driven with an ability to identify, develop and execute innovations for the betterment of the agency
• Good negotiation skills in resolving complaints and bringing about desired outcomes for Department
• Excellent understanding of business operations and procedures
• Project Management Skills
• Strong Organizational and Planning Skills
• Outstanding research and analytical abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Licenses: Attorneys must be licensed to practice in the State of Oklahoma. Human Resources professionals must have a Professional HR Certification (SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR).

• Regular internal contact with all staff, in the day-to-day management of the organization; coordination of department activities; and development of financial/operational plans.
• Regular external contact with officials of state, county, city, and community agencies to provide information about THD programs through speeches and board presentations.

• Must maintain THD record confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations
• Must possess ability and willingness to perform job-related travel and work extended hours if needed