Attorney III - Employment (Central Office)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Office of Mental Health where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking an Attorney III who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

• Advise agency Human Resources on employment actions. Draft and reply to employee appeals to the Division of State Human Resources (DSHR). Represent agency in state and human resources mediations, arbitrations, and hearings. Interpret and respond to inquiries about agency directives, policies and procedures related to employment. Interact with and assist outside counsel retained on behalf of agency in employment cases.
• Provide legal advice and assistance to agency regarding incapacity, conservatorship, and/or guardianship. Assist in petitioning the Probate Court in limited cases where a guardian is needed as determined by agency for patients not competent to make decisions regarding treatment with no known family member or other legal representatives with such authority.
• Develop, review, approve, and monitor departmental contracts. Provide legal advice to agency employees, management, and officials in matters primarily related to contracts. Provide legal assistance in the development and the ongoing operation of an effective monitoring system for agency clinical contracts including providing legal advice and training to staff assigned to monitor such contracts as well as guiding enforcement actions when required.
• Assist the Office of General Counsel (OGC) Forensic Attorney and General Counsel in forensics matters and provide backup for Forensic NGRI (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity) discharge hearings. Assist OGC Forensic Attorney and provide backup for the Forensic Review Board and/or the Administrative Forensic Review Board.
• Respond to questions of a legal nature from agency staff, public officials, courts, attorneys, public agencies, medical providers, and the general public about agency operations, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and applicable laws and policies.

• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney
• A member and in good standing with the South Carolina Bar and completion of the 403 requirements
• At least five (5) years of experience as an attorney

• Ability to attend meetings or conduct trainings outside of usual business hours. 
• Ability to travel within South Carolina.
• Occasionally in-state travel to hearings, usually during normal working hours (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM). 

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Post hire, employees must have: 

• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina and knowledge of general case, statutory and common law. 
• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance
• Good verbal and written communication skills with emphasis on attention to written details.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws in court decisions. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and legal instruments.
• Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Ability to plan and direct the activities of a legal staff. 

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application.  Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment.  Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education.  A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: 

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

Why Cayce, South Carolina?

Cayce, South Carolina offers a perfect mix of art, history, and outdoor fun—all in one convenient location. Experience the best of the Midlands in Cayce—where creativity, history, and adventure come together.

Explore the creative energy of the Cayce River Arts District, or step back in time at the Cayce Historical Museum and 12,000 Year History Park.

Enjoy family-friendly attractions nearby like Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden and EdVenture Children’s Museum, or relax along the scenic Cayce Riverwalk.