Deputy Associate General Counsel for Children, Families, and Aging Division

Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services • Washington, DC

6d

About The Position

The HHS Office of the General Counsel seeks an accomplished attorney to serve as Deputy Associate General Counsel for the Children, Families, and Aging Division (CFAD). The position provides legal counsel and representation for programs administered by the Administration for Children and Families and the Administration for Community Living. The Deputy advises HHS leadership and program officials on complex legal, policy, regulatory, grants, and administrative law matters, and works with the Department of Justice on federal litigation involving HHS programs.

The role shares responsibility with the Associate General Counsel for managing CFAD and supervising attorneys, paralegals, and support staff. It leads and coordinates the Division’s Office of Refugee Resettlement legal portfolio, including federal and administrative litigation, regulatory matters, and legal advice, and serves as a primary liaison between ORR and OGC. The position also represents OGC and HHS in significant legal matters affecting children, families, aging, refugee resettlement, and human services programs.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree.
• Must be licensed and authorized to practice law under the laws of a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territorial court established under the U.S. Constitution; specified judicial or good-standing status may be accepted in lieu of active status.
• Demonstrate the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications in a resume of no more than two pages, unless exempt from responding to the ECQs due to qualifying SES status or eligibility.
• Demonstrate leadership overseeing sensitive, complex, and often precedent-setting policy issues involving children, families, and aging matters.
• Demonstrate leadership directing lawyers and support personnel, setting priorities, and ensuring client needs are met by a high-functioning litigation group handling a large volume of complex, high-priority litigation.
• Meet the position's qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment when requested and meet suitability requirements for Federal employment.
• If applicable, certify Selective Service registration or exemption.
• Pass an applicant drug test; the position is also subject to random, reasonable-suspicion, and post-accident drug testing after hiring.
• File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Accept the one-year SES probationary period unless it has already been completed.
• Be prepared for possible reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines; selected individuals may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Nice To Haves

• Substantial experience handling complex litigation in federal district and appellate courts, including matters arising under the Administrative Procedure Act and federal statutes.
• Experience developing litigation strategy and coordinating with the Department of Justice.
• Experience managing high-profile, high-stakes, or nationally significant litigation.
• Experience supervising attorneys handling complex litigation and regulatory matters in a federal or complex legal environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and representation for programs administered by the Administration for Children and Families and the Administration for Community Living.
• Advise HHS leadership and program officials on complex legal, policy, regulatory, grants, and administrative law matters.
• Work with the Department of Justice on federal litigation involving HHS programs.
• Oversee litigation strategy, legal review of regulations, policies, and guidance, and assessment of litigation risks associated with Department initiatives.
• Share responsibility with the Associate General Counsel for managing the Division and its resources and priorities.
• Supervise attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, including assigning work, evaluating performance, recruiting and developing staff.
• Lead and coordinate CFAD's Office of Refugee Resettlement legal portfolio, including federal and administrative litigation, regulatory matters, and legal advice.
• Serve as a primary liaison between ORR and OGC.
• Represent OGC and HHS in working with DOJ, other federal and state agencies, and stakeholders on significant legal matters.
• Train and onboard attorneys and detailees supporting the ORR portfolio.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• The position may be eligible for performance bonuses and performance-based pay adjustments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree