Assistant General Counsel for Health Promotion and Services (Attorney III) - 61144645

State of South Carolina • Lexington County, SC

23d • Hybrid

About The Position

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking an attorney to provide legal advice and support to all Health Promotion and Services (HPS) programs. This role involves working closely with program directors and staff on specialized areas of health care delivery and public health initiatives. The attorney will assist with regulation promulgation, advise on state and federal health privacy laws (HIPAA, HITECH), conduct legal research, prepare legal opinions, and deliver presentations. Responsibilities also include supporting policy development, drafting and reviewing contracts, representing the agency in meetings and negotiations, and potentially representing the agency in litigation. The position requires participation in the agency’s Incident Command Structure during emergencies and reviewing changes in laws, regulations, and case law. The attorney will also provide legal support for complex public health investigations and interventions.

Requirements

• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney.
• At least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney (which may include judicial clerkships).
• Possess a Juris Doctor 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.
• Have completed trial experiences as required by Rule 403; S.C. Appellate Court Rules.
• Be trustworthy, self-motivated, and reliable.
• Possess a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Possess a strong working knowledge of the laws of South Carolina, with the ability to explain legal issues in simple, direct, and easily understandable terms.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a team environment and interact professionally and collaboratively with all levels of internal staff, courts, opposing counsel, government agencies, entities, and the public.
• Demonstrate strong legal writing skills (a résumé legal writing sample must be submitted with your application).
• Possess strong organizational skills.
• Possess a commitment to professionalism, ethics, and public service.
• Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in public health law, education in public health-related curriculum, or training and experience in healthcare compliance or a health-related industry.
• Experience with the state process for regulation promulgation.
• Experience in litigation.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to all Health Promotion and Services (HPS) programs.
• Work closely with program directors and staff engaged in specialized areas of health care delivery and public health initiatives.
• Assist with the promulgation of regulations.
• Advise HPS staff on state and federal health privacy, statutory, and regulatory matters, including HIPAA and HITECH.
• Conduct complex legal research and prepare legal opinions and memoranda.
• Participate in public speaking engagements by creating and delivering educational and informational presentations.
• Support the development of Department policies, procedures, training, and compliance efforts.
• Draft and review contracts prior to release.
• Represent the agency and its HPS programs in meetings, negotiations, and responses to inquiries.
• On a limited basis, represent the agency and its HPS programs in litigation before various courts.
• Participate in the agency’s Incident Command Structure during emergencies, as needed.
• Review and advise HPS programs on changes in statutory law, regulations, significant case law, and agency policy.
• Draft, review, and revise legal documents to ensure accuracy, proper content, and appropriate form and grammar.
• Provide legal support for complex and highly sensitive public health investigations and interventions.

Benefits

• 15 days Annual (Vacation) Leave per year
• 15 days Sick Leave per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available
• Retirement benefit choices (State Retirement Plan (SCRS) or State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP))

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level