DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL, LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

10d•$137,208 - $157,992•Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Human Services Office of General Counsel is hiring a self-motivated, organized, 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 wide 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 Deputy General Counsel reports to the Chief Deputy General Counsel for Operations, serves as a full-line supervisor, and provides substantial input into policies and procedures relating to labor relations, employment law, and personnel matters. This is a salaried, full-time term appointment. The term is four years, may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the DHS Director’s discretion, and is subject to a probationary period. The position is based at the Chicago headquarters, with required headquarters attendance as operational needs dictate; the work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour unpaid lunch.

Requirements

Law degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
License to practice law in Illinois.
Four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.
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 advising 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 status as 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, 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.
Advise 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 the Department of Human Services.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.

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, which carry over from year to year.
Ten to 25 days of paid vacation annually, with 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 programs, including Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Eligibility for GI Bill training or apprenticeship benefits for qualifying veterans.
Commuter Savings Program for Chicago employees.