Legal Consultant (Attorney 5) - PN: 20034236

State of Ohio • Columbus, OH

8d • $15 • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health is seeking a dynamic Ohio‑licensed attorney to lead statewide rule‑promulgation efforts, advise senior leadership on complex policy and legislative matters, and support high‑impact legal initiatives across the agency. This role offers the opportunity to shape major departmental policies, collaborate with partners across government, support litigation and case preparation, and drive clear, consistent, and stakeholder‑informed program rules. Ideal candidates bring strong research, writing, and analytical skills and thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment dedicated to improving behavioral health outcomes statewide.

Requirements

• Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code
• 18 months experience as licensed attorney
• 6 months experience in supervisory principles/techniques
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment dedicated to improving behavioral health outcomes statewide.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates legal activities for major departmental or system‑wide initiatives.
• Provides legal guidance for assigned areas.
• Researches and interprets relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies.
• Advises on policy formulation and strategic decision‑making.
• Reviews legislative and regulatory proposals with potential impact on statewide initiatives.
• Serves as the department’s legal representative on multi‑agency or statewide policy groups.
• Presents departmental positions and interpretations of applicable laws and regulations.
• Drafts documents and guidance in support of collaborative initiatives.
• Provides legal advice and consultation to administrative leadership, legal staff, and internal constituencies.
• Conducts research, analysis, and interpretation of legal issues related to policies, operations, and agency procedures.
• Prepares legal documentation required for administration of DBH program areas.
• Assists in reviewing, assessing, negotiating, resolving, and settling complex matters.
• Serves as liaison to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on assigned legal questions, rules, policies, and statutory topics.
• Exercises independent judgment in handling issues involving AG coordination.
• Assists Chief Legal Counsel with legal support services for litigation and administrative matters, including Court of Claims, and federal courts.
• Participates in pre‑trial conferences.
• Reviews case notes and documentation.
• Assesses case impacts and develops recommendations related to settlement or appeal.
• Provides support to senior officials engaged in case reviews while ensuring alignment with agency policy and procedure.
• Prepares memoranda, correspondence, legal opinions, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Reviews and interprets legal documentation.
• Maintains updated information on legal transactions and activities within assigned areas.
• Writes reports, maintains documentation files, and responds to information requests.
• Attends and conducts meetings to exchange or gather information.
• Provides direction to legal support personnel on a project‑by‑project basis.
• As assigned, reviews the preparation, organization, and management of case documentation by legal support staff.
• Assists with statewide rule‑promulgation activities by evaluating, shaping, and implementing DBH policy in accordance with statutory requirements, Legislative Service Commission (LSC) standards, Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) procedures, and internal departmental protocols.
• Analyzes and refines program rules and policies using software tools such as Excel, Microsoft Word, Electronic Rules Filing systems, Rule Authority Software (RAS), and online research platforms to ensure clarity, consistency, flexibility, and the elimination of duplication.
• Reviews and integrates public comments on proposed rules and policies, ensuring that final documents reflect relevant stakeholder feedback and support effective program implementation.

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior