Attorney IV - Forensics (Central Office)

State of South Carolina•Lexington County, SC

21h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Central Office, 400 Otarre Parkway Cayce, SC 29033. As the Attorney IV, under limited supervision of the BHDD General Counsel, attorney will provide professional legal services and represent agency in the primary areas of Forensics, criminally involved patients (Not Competent to Stand Trial or Criminal Responsibility hearings), reimbursement matters, and mental health law and processes. You will serve as a senior or lead attorney and supervise legal clerks and/or legal interns. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees: Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available. Retirement benefit choices: State Retirement Plan (SCRS) or State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP).

Requirements

A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney
A member and in good standing with the South Carolina Bar and completion of the 403 requirements
At least ten (10) years of experience as an attorney

Nice To Haves

Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.
Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina and knowledge of general case, statutory and common law.
Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance
Good verbal and written communication skills with emphasis on attention to written details.
Ability to interpret and apply laws in court decisions.
Ability to analyze facts, evidence and legal instruments.
Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically.
Ability to plan and direct the activities of a legal staff.

Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and assistance to the agencies Adult Forensic Programs, to include court appearances, and to present BHDD Forensic Program discharge recommendations in General Sessions.
Serve as the Chair of the Forensic Discharge Review Board and Member of the Administrative Forensic Review Board (FRB).
Advise agency regarding Forensic Inpatient and Forensic Evaluation Services programs waiting lists and assist in monitoring wait lists for both programs.
Assist in negotiation discharge for patients with pending charges with Solicitors and related parties.
Crosstrain Office of General Counsel (OGC) attorneys to represent the Department in Forensic hearings and FRB sessions.
Provide assistance and guidance on court testimony and judicial process for the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program.
Serve as lead attorney liaison for Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program.
Supervise Legal Clerks and/ or Legal Interns.
Hire law clerks.
Serve as liaison between agency OGC and University of South Carolina's Law Career Center.
Review work of clerk/intern, including estate claim filings and office-wide legal research.
Approve time and leave for clerk/intern.
Respond to questions of a legal nature from agency staff, public officials, courts. attorneys, public agencies, medical providers, and the public about agency operations, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and applicable law and policies.
Work with the Division of Financial Services and Procurement on all contract related matters.