Attorney III

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking an Attorney 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.

This position functions as an Assistant General Counsel for BHDD-OIDD:

• Provides legal advice and assistance to agency personnel on complex legal matters. Assists the General Counsel in preparing and issuing legal opinions to key BHDD-OIDD staff.
• Reviews employee grievance appeals and discrimination complaints. Represents BHDD-OIDD in employee mediations and in grievance appeals. Assists the Human Resources Department with personnel matters, investigations, and unemployment hearings.
• Represents BHDD-OIDD in Family Court and Probate Court in Judicial Admission proceedings. Prepares orders and other court documents related to court proceedings.
• Conducts legal research and advises key BHDD-OIDD staff on whether BHDD-OIDD directives and policies comply with State and Federal laws. Provides recommendations for updating BHDD-OIDD directives and polices based on State and Federal laws, Legislative Audit Council (LAC) recommendations, and best practices.
• Process Freedom of Information Act requests as well as Records Requests for the agency.
• Review all reports at Regional Centers pertaining to Deaths, Critical Incidents, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation cases; and provide quality management feedback of those reports.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school; member, in good standing, of the South Carolina Bar; and at least three (3) years' experience as a practicing attorney. Experience should include state courts, family courts, probate courts, and/or administrative hearings.

Experience with South Carolina State Courts, Family Courts, and/or Probate Courts. Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. Knowledge of agency policies, standards, and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply policies, laws, and judicial decisions. Ability to establish priorities. Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Some familiarity with Roberts Rules of Procedure. Knowledge and experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
Workers' Compensation Act; and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon receipt of the following required pre‑employment screenings: medical screening, drug screening, background record checks (including fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening, South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check, and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials.

We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which causes us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with consumers of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles,…