General Counsel

State of Vermont • Calais, VT

3d

About The Position

The Vermont Department of Human Resources (DHR), is responsible for providing the full range of human resources services to agencies and departments of the Executive Branch, and approximately 10,000 employees. The DHR General Counsel (GC) leads the DHR Legal/Investigations Division, which consists of three attorneys, one paralegal, and six investigators engaged in ensuring the Executive Branch properly manages the workforce in compliance with State and Federal laws and four collective bargaining agreements.

The General Counsel provides legal advice and guidance to the DHR Commissioner and staff, and to leaders across State government on all employment-related matters including but not limited to disciplinary actions, investigations, ethics, employee performance, equal employment opportunity, benefits, recruitment, classification, and labor relations. The GC also provides advice to DHR staff on records management, requests for information (such as public records act requests, requests for information from the Vermont State Employees Association (VSEA), the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the Attorney General’s Office), and advises on large, complex contracts involving health insurance and technology resources. Additionally, the position develops and coordinates statewide personnel policies, drafts and analyzes legislation, regulations and Executive Orders, and testifies before the legislature as a subject matter expert. They assist the Attorney General’s Office in all phases of employment-related litigation and administrative actions such as claims before the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB), and the Vermont State Courts.

Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a sample of your legal writing as part of your application materials.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary and benefits will be based upon qualifications and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan.

Requirements

• The successful candidate must be a member in good standing of the Vermont bar or be eligible to obtain admission by waiver.
• Candidates should have at least five years of relevant legal experience, including employment and labor law experience.

Responsibilities

• Leads the DHR Legal/Investigations Division
• Provides legal advice and guidance to the DHR Commissioner and staff, and to leaders across State government on all employment-related matters
• Provides advice to DHR staff on records management, requests for information
• Advises on large, complex contracts involving health insurance and technology resources
• Develops and coordinates statewide personnel policies
• Drafts and analyzes legislation, regulations and Executive Orders
• Testifies before the legislature as a subject matter expert
• Assists the Attorney General’s Office in all phases of employment-related litigation and administrative actions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees