DFCS Associate General Counsel-00080368

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), Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Office of General Counsel (OGC), is seeking candidates for the position of Associate General Counsel. This position is located in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. 

JOIN OUR TEAM!!!

Pay Grade: N

This position reports to the DFCS Deputy General Counsel. The incumbent in this position will provide legal guidance to DFCS specific to matters arising in relation to programs and services operating within complex legal and regulatory schemes at both the federal and state levels.

Under limited supervision, oversees the provision of analysis and/or recommendations on legal issues within the scope and authority of the agency. Handles complex issues. May act as a lead worker and/or supervise support staff.

Role and Responsibilities: 

• Reviews DFCS contracts and agreements to ensure legal compliance and makes appropriate revisions.
• Reviews state and federal laws and regulations related to DFCS.
• Reviews DHS and DFCS policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and makes appropriate revisions.
• Responds to inquiries from other state agencies.
• Provides legal and administrative reviews regarding compliance with internal policies.
• Receives and reviews legal documents.
• Conducts legal research.
• Assists the DFCS General and Deputy General Counsels as needed.
• Responsible for obtaining and preparing discovery responses in conjunction with the Department of Law.
• Manages Open Record Act requests and document requests, including obtaining estimates, providing timely responses to requesters, and gathering and redacting records.
• Reviews, analyzes, and provides legal advice concerning legislation.  Prepares legislation upon request.
• Assists Special Assistant Attorney Generals providing legal services to the Division in state and federal courts.
• Arranges responses for subpoenas served upon the Division across all programs.
• Upon request, analyzes complicated fact and legal issues and assists the Division across all programs in resolving these issues.
• Assists the DFCS General Counsel in promulgation of rules and preparing for Board meetings. 
• Performs other professional duties as assigned.

• 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 and comprehend complex materials.
• Ability to prioritize and successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to tactfully, patiently, and courteously interact with constituents and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency using Lexis Nexis.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• 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.

• Reciprocity and three (3) years of relevant legal experience.

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

• Prior legal experience working in or with a state or federal governmental entity.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, administrative law, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.

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 request by the closing date of this announcement to:  @HRHelpline
 
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.