Assistant County Counsel I/II

Washington County (OR)•Hillsboro, OR

55d•$112,984 - $171,036

About The Position

As an Assistant County Counsel I/II, you will provide a full range of legal services to the Department of Housing Services, Housing Authority of Washington County, Office of Community Development and the Office of Emergency Management and other County Departments as assigned. This position requires representation of the County in many complex legal areas with minimal direction and supervision, the ability to problem solve and use innovative legal skills, and work with clients to provide creative solutions to support their goals. The position requires you to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients. If you have a passion for public service and desire an opportunity to help your community grow and excel with your legal expertise and knowledge, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (BS or BA)
Juris doctor (JD) from an accredited college or university.
Five (5) years of demonstrated experience as general counsel or similar role
Bachelor's degree (BS or BA)
Juris Doctor (JD) graduate from an accredited college or university
Three (3) years of professional-level legal experience.
Membership in the Oregon State Bar Association within 30 days of hire.
Must pass a background investigation.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate has three (3) to five (5) years of legal experience including the ability to provide legal advice and guidance on federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting housing authorities and emergency management; draft, review and negotiate contracts, leases and other legal documents, including documents related to property transactions and related to housing development and homeless services; interpret and ensure compliance with Federal, State and local regulations impacting housing services including US Department of Housing and Urban Development; represent the County and County departments in legal proceedings including coordination of tort claims and grievances; develop and assist in implementation of policy affecting public housing, assisted housing programs and emergency management. This candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and support staff. Stellar legal work, a strong work ethic, and team-oriented approach, as well as intellectual curiosity is desired. The ideal candidate has high standards of professional competence and integrity. The candidate has experience interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for government agencies, large corporations or other government-adjacent organizations. In addition, this candidate will work well both in a team environment and independently.

Responsibilities

Provides legal services to a variety of County departments providing legal advice and counsel.
Represents County departments in land use and code enforcement matters.
Provides legal advice and assistance for major County departments and/or Service Districts.
Attends meetings of Boards and Commissions to give legal advice and counsel.
Reviews and approves contracts.
Serves as the Department of Housing Services ("Department") and the Housing Authority of Washington County's ("Housing Authority") legal counsel and advisor on all legal matters relating to the Housing Authority's operations, programs, and activities. This includes, but is not limited to, the Housing Authority's Public Housing and Section 8 programs, real estate acquisition, disposition and redevelopment activities, asset management, litigation management, contracting and public entity law and governance.
Provides legal opinions, legal interpretations, and recommendations to the Department's and the Housing Authority's executive staff, senior management, the Board of Directors relating to Housing Authority operations, and the Board of County Commissioners related to Department operations.
Reviews and approves staff report and proposed resolutions to the County Commission and the Housing Authority's Board of Directors.
Assumes responsibility for general corporate governance, including but not limited to maintaining, updating, and ensuring compliance with corporate formation documents and other related filings for the Housing Authority and its affiliated agencies; and providing counsel at Board of Commissioner or Board of Directors meetings.
Assumes responsibility for ensuring that the programs and activities of the Department and the Housing Authority are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, statutes, codes, and regulations.
Provides legal support on a broad variety of real estate and financing transactions.
Participates in the development of Department and Housing Authority policies, procedures, and related business documents. Advises the County Board of Commissioners, Housing Authority of Washington County Board of Directors, executive staff, and senior management on legal matters related to governance and the policies, programs, and projects of the Department of Housing Services and the Housing Authority.
Develops a clearly understood framework for legal policies and practices within the Department and the Housing Authority.