Human Resources and Administration Attorney (Attorney III)

Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

At the newly established South Carolina Department of Public Health (“DPH”), you will do meaningful work contributing to our mission to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.

We are looking for a highly qualified and experienced attorney with experience in employment law who is passionate about public service and who shares our core values: embracing service, inspiring innovation, promoting teamwork, pursuing excellence, and advancing equity.

 
As the primary legal advisor to DPH’s Human Resources (HR) Office, if hired you will:
 • Work under the supervision of the agency’s Chief Counsel for Administration;
 • Work closely with the HR office on employee disciplinary actions as well as on performance matters;
 • Represent and advise DPH in employee grievance matters and in discrimination charges before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the State Human Affairs Commission;
 • Serve as the agency’s chief legal resource on Family Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act issues affecting the DPH workforce; and
 • Be a key figure in crafting HR policies.

This position will also:  
• Guide DPH through the labyrinth of federal and state laws governing public contracts and grants;
 • Review and provide legal advice on a variety of contractual agreements;
 • Advise staff on complex procurements and represent the agency in procurement disputes;
 • Weigh complicated questions concerning employee ethics and protection of personal privacy;
 • Steer DPH programs through the Administrative Procedures Act rulemaking process; and
 • Advise the Freedom of Information Office and Compliance Office on privacy and confidentiality.
 
You will master the laws and policies governing how DPH operates and grasp their everyday consequences. You will face novel and challenging issues every day. We will give you the Continuing Legal Education and other training you need to develop into a trusted advisor to the agency’s top executive leadership and staff at every level, and you will pass on that training to others.

State Minimum Requirements: A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney.

Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Agency Additional Requirements:

 • Have at least five (5) years’ experience as a practicing attorney (which may include judicial clerkships);
 • Possess a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school;
 • Be a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar;
 • Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license; and 
 • Have completed trial experiences as required by Rule 403, South Carolina Appellate Court Rules.
 
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript(s) as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript(s) or diploma prior to hiring.

The successful candidate must:
 • Be trustworthy, self-motivated, and reliable;
 • Possess a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
 • Possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills;
 • Possess the ability to work well with other lawyers and program staff in a team environment;
 • Possess a commitment to professionalism, ethics and public service;
 • Possess excellent legal research and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal issues in simple, direct, and easily understandable terms to non-lawyers, lawyers, hearing officers and judges;
 • Demonstrate strong legal writing skills (A legal writing sample must be submitted with your application); and
 • Possess strong public-speaking skills.

 The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:
 • Seven (7) years’ experience as a practicing attorney;
 • Understanding of employment law from the public sector perspective;
 • Substantial experience representing and advising a state governmental employer on legal issues related to human resources and employment law;
 • Knowledge of and experience with contracts, the state Procurement Code, and federal grants;
 • Knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPAA) privacy and security rules;
 • Understanding of the SC Freedom of Information Act and Administrative Procedures Act;
 • Knowledge of state employee ethics laws and rules;
 • Knowledge of and experience in litigation and civil procedure;
 • Knowledge of basic office software including Microsoft Office/Word, Microsoft Office 365, and Adobe Pro; and
 • A level head, good judgment and common sense.
 
 

Please apply via the online system only. Do not submit applications via mail or email.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
 
SC DPH is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employing agency. We are committed to a diverse workforce. SC DPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 Days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 Days Sick Leave per year 
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs  
• ALTERNATE WORK SCHEDULE: An alternate work schedule with every other Friday off may be available after 12 months of employment.