DEPUTY CHF OF LEGAL SERVICES

State of careers Rhode Island • Chicopee, MA

11h • Onsite

About The Position

This position assists a superior in directing a staff that provides legal advice and services for the department. Responsibilities include participating in the formulation of overall policy and drafting policy statements, as well as performing legislative liaison functions to ensure departmental decisions and policies align with federal and state statutes and directives. The role operates under the administrative direction of a superior, allowing for significant independent judgment and initiative, with work reviewed for results and adherence to established policies, laws, rules, and regulations. The Deputy Chief also assists in supervising a staff of attorneys and stenographic assistants, reviewing their work for proficiency and compliance with legal standards.

Requirements

• A thorough knowledge of the legislative process and the ability to analyze, interpret, research, write and explain federal and state legislation and directives affecting the department and its programs
• A thorough knowledge of the department’s programs, objectives, techniques and procedures and the ability to evaluate the effect of legislation on these programs
• The ability to exercise judgement in making decisions in unusual cases involving legal matters
• The ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct the work of a staff of employees including attorneys engaged in handling departmental matters of a legal nature
• Graduation from an accredited Law School
• Employment in a responsible supervisory position within a legal services program involving the interpretation of law and the application of pertinent laws, rules, regulation, policies and decisions
• Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience
• Applicant must be a member of the Rhode Island bar and must maintain such membership as a condition of employment
• Must undergo a national fingerprint background screening in accordance with the criteria set forth in regulation 220-RICR-40-00-2 (IRS Publication 1075 – Background Check Process and Criteria)
• Must have employment eligibility validated through E-Verify

Responsibilities

• Assist a superior in the exercise of his/her duties with the responsibility for directing the work of a staff engaged in providing legal advice and services for the department
• Participate in the formulation of overall policy and draft statements of such policies
• Perform legislative liaison functions for superior to ensure that departmental decisions and policies are compatible with federal and state statutes and directives
• Assist in developing and planning a legislative program for all programs administered by the department
• Serve in a responsible professional capacity in the performance of legislative liaison functions to ensure that departmental decisions and policies are compatible with federal and state statues and directives
• Monitor all state and federal legislation and regulations either proposed or enacted, affecting directly or indirectly the department and its programs
• Analyze and interpret legislation and to prepare and present reports detailing the projected impact of such legislation on the department and its programs
• Review and evaluate departmental programs and policies regarding legislation and to propose legislative changes
• Research, develop and draft required changes in legislation
• Provide information and consult with elected officials concerning the various programs of the department
• Represent the department in cases before federal and state courts
• Participate in the formulation and effectuation of overall legal policy
• Do related work as required

Benefits

• Access to information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees via the Office of Employee Benefits' website
• Mandatory direct deposit for all employees hired after September 30, 2014

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees