Deputy General Counsel, Labor & Employment

State of Illinois•Chicago, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Human Services Office of General Counsel is seeking a self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented attorney licensed to practice law in Illinois to serve as Deputy General Counsel for its Division of Labor and Employment. The role provides timely and accurate legal advice and counsel to DHS staff on a broad range of issues, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Illinois Human Rights Act, Equal Pay Act, accommodations, leaves of absence, employee discipline, hiring, and immigration. The position reports to the Chief Deputy General Counsel for Operations and serves as a full-line supervisor. It provides substantial input into policies and procedures concerning labor relations, employment law, and personnel matters; advises management on labor relations and personnel issues; and serves as staff attorney to the Offices of Human Resources and Labor Relations. The Deputy General Counsel also assists the General Counsel and Chief Deputy General Counsel with the overall functioning of the Office of General Counsel and performs related duties as assigned. This is a four-year term appointment, which may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of DHS's discretion. The role is based at DHS headquarters in Chicago, with required in-person reporting as necessary based on operational need. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch; overtime may be required.

Requirements

Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.
Four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.
Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to travel in the performance of job duties.
Ability to work overtime.

Nice To Haves

Four years of professional legal experience litigating employment matters in federal or state courts, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, the Illinois Civil Service Commission, or the Chicago Commission on Human Relations.
Four years of professional legal experience providing legal advice to management on labor, employment, employee benefits, and immigration matters.
Four years of professional legal experience litigating or advising clients on employee accommodations related to disability, pregnancy, religion, or for victims of violent crimes.
Four years of professional legal experience litigating or advising clients on the Family and Medical Leave Act, military leaves, or other leaves of absence.
Four years of professional legal experience litigating or advising clients on employee discipline matters, including terminations.
Three years of professional legal experience litigating or advising clients on compliance with personnel regulations in a merit system.
Two years of professional experience as a licensed attorney drafting and reviewing employee handbooks and internal labor, personnel, and benefits policies for employers.
One year of professional experience as a licensed attorney providing legal advice to management for an employer on immigration matters or I-9 compliance.

Responsibilities

Serve as Deputy General Counsel for Labor & Employment for the Department of Human Services.
Serve as a full-line supervisor.
Provide substantial input into the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to labor relations, employment law, and personnel matters.
Provide advisory functions to management on labor relations and personnel issues.
Serve as staff attorney to the Offices of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
Assist the General Counsel and Chief Deputy General Counsel in the overall functioning of the Office of General Counsel within DHS.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the enumerated duties.

Benefits

Pension program.
Competitive group insurance benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
Three paid personal business days annually.
Twelve paid sick days annually, with sick days carrying over from year to year.
10–25 days of paid vacation annually; 10 days in the first year of employment.
Thirteen paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years.
Flexible work schedules when available and dependent on the position.
Twelve weeks of paid parental leave.
Deferred Compensation Program, a supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility.
GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits eligibility for qualifying veterans.
Five percent salary differential for bilingual positions.
Chicago commuter savings program.