Deputy General Counsel

State of Vermont•Waterbury, VT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

OverviewThe Agency of Human Services (AHS) is seeking a qualified attorney to join its legal team as Deputy General Counsel for the Central Office (CO). AHS serves as the umbrella organization for all human services activities within state government. AHS-CO is responsible for strategically leading the Agency and its departments in establishing and implementing agency-wide and government-wide policies and practices. AHS-CO oversees six departments, each with a distinct area of focus and responsibility— Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL); Department of Children and Families (DCF); Department of Corrections (DOC); Department of Mental Health (DMH); Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA); and Vermont Department of Health (VDH). As a whole, AHS creates and sustains a system of human services support to protect and support vulnerable Vermonters. We are looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys maintaining a diverse workload. The chosen candidate will work closely with a collegial team of attorneys in AHS-CO, as well as the teams of attorneys situated within each of AHS’s six departments. Job duties for this position include providing legal advice on complex state and federal laws and regulations, contract and grant negotiations, overseeing litigation, analyzing pending legislation, and completing other short- and long-term legal projects, as assigned. This position will report to the AHS General Counsel. Preferred candidates will have broad legal experience and a demonstrated commitment to human services. This position is hybrid, in-office and remote. Under the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan, this position is identified as a Staff Attorney IV. Who May ApplyThis position, Deputy General Counsel (Job Requisition #54652), is open to all State employees and external applicants.If you would like more information about this position, please contact [email protected] note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered. AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.CompensationSalary and benefits are based upon qualifications and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan.Minimum QualificationsAdmission to the Vermont Bar or eligibility for admission by waiver and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible legal experience.

Requirements

Admission to the Vermont Bar or eligibility for admission by waiver
a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible legal experience

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Proven ability to develop, interpret, and implement policies and procedures in compliance with state and federal law.
Knowledge of legal and policy issues relevant to human services.
Familiarity with public records, including VT.
Written and oral communication skills, with the ability to provide clear and practical legal guidance to both legal and non-legal audiences.
Understanding of the role of an organizational attorney.