Attorney 4 (Associate General Counsel) - 00195497

Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is a dynamic state agency responsible for delivering a wide range of services to Georgia's most vulnerable populations. Our mission is to strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.  

What we offer.  Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, employee retirement plan, 401(k) plan and 457 plan, 13 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, long/short-term care, life insurance, and employee discount programs; in addition to telework opportunities depending upon the position.  

Start your career in public service.  The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of General Council (OGC) is seeking candidates for the position of Attorney 4 (Associate General Counsel). This position is located in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia and will require reporting to the office on an as needed basis.

JOIN OUR TEAM!!!

Pay Grade: N

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services for all DHS Divisions and Offices by responding to questions regarding compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, assisting with the development of policy and procedures, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, reviewing proposed legislation, and responding to legal matters and inquiries of the constituents of Georgia.

• Represents DHS in administrative hearings, including hearings related to criminal records checks and licensing sanctions.
• Supervises at least one professional support staff.
• Manages diverse caseloads and transactional work.
• Drafts legal documents including motions, briefs, and notices.
• Conducts legal research, provides consultation and guidance to OIG programs on legal, administrative, and legislative matters, especially in the areas of regulatory compliance and benefits recovery.
• Provides legal review and drafting support of consent agreements, contracts, memoranda of understanding.
• Negotiates and drafts settlement agreements.
• Reviews OIG rules, policies, and procedures to ensure legal compliance and drafts appropriate revisions, as needed.
• Provides legal support in coordinating responses to requests for records pursuant to the Open Records Act and other applicable disclosure provisions.
• Acts as a liaison between the DHS and the Attorney General’s Office for litigation involving OIG and other matters.
• Acts as a liaison between the DHS and the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council regarding prosecution referrals and other matters.
• Performs other professional duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, administrative law, judicial procedure, and rules of evidence.
• Knowledge of legal research methods and procedures.
• Ability to analyze legal documents.
• Ability to write effectively and provide information concisely.
• Ability to extract information, read and comprehend materials.
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to interact tactfully, patiently, and courteously with constituents and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency using Lexis Nexis.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and/or standard software applications typically used in a corporate office environment.

• Juris Doctorate in a related area from an accredited college or university AND license to practice law in the State of Georgia or eligibility to sit for the next Georgia Bar examination followed by Georgia Bar exam passage AND licensure to practice law in the State of Georgia within one (1) year of hiring or reciprocity AND three (3) years of relevant legal experience; 

•  Three (3) years of experience required at the lower-level Attorney 3 (LEP022).

• Member in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.
• Minimum 3 years of experience involving litigation or administrative hearings.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in the field of regulatory or child welfare law or fraud investigation or benefit recovery.
• Prior legal experience working in or with a state or federal governmental entity.
• Experience in researching and analyzing applicable regulations or law related to public assistance programs, criminal law, or bankruptcy law.
• Experience in drafting legislation or rules and knowledge of the state legislative or rulemaking process.
• Knowledge of applicable laws or regulations related to the processing of criminal history record information.
• All candidates must possess strong communication, writing, organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will be able to work independently but also collaboratively with a talented team of professionals.

For more detailed information about the Georgia Department Human Services

                   https://dhs.georgia.gov/  

Employment Information
  
Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board (SPB) Rules regarding salary.
 
DHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
  
If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), email the request by the closing date of this announcement to:  hrhelpline@dhs.ga.gov.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening, education verification, reference, motor vehicle records, and criminal background checks.
  
DHS accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DHS will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.
  
As an employee of DHS, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.
  
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring official for next steps in the selection process.  Only applicants who are selected and interviewed will receive notification.
  
This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.