SENIOR ATTORNEY - 65000530 1

State of Florida•Tallahassee, FL

35d•$60,015 - $93,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Attorney provides legal representation to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs under the direction of the Executive Director of the Office of Public and Professional Guardians (OPPG). The position is responsible for legal matters relating to guardianship and OPPG’s duties and responsibilities. It reports directly to the Statewide Public Guardianship Program Director (Executive Director). This is not a teleworking position; the incumbent must report to the DOEA office in the area served. The position may require more than 40 hours of work per week and travel as necessary. The attorney handles legal work involving the regulation and enforcement of Florida Statutes Chapter 744 as it applies to professional guardians, including administrative actions and representation before the Division of Administrative Hearings and other administrative and judicial forums. The role also supports investigations and prosecutions, rulemaking, contracts and procurement, legislation, training and testing, public records, administrative proceedings, background screening matters, HIPAA inquiries, and legal advice on OPPG and Department programs. The attorney conducts legal research and interprets statutes, regulations, rules, and procedures, and advises Department leadership and staff on complex legal issues and ways to prevent or mitigate litigation. The position requires a juris doctorate, active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar, and at least two years of legal experience practicing law. Compensation is listed as $60,015.16 to $93,500.04 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The posting also lists a monthly salary range of $5,001.26 to $7,791.67.

Requirements

Juris doctorate degree.
Active membership in good standing with The Florida Bar.
At least 2 years of legal experience in the practice of law.
Knowledge of the Administrative Procedures Act, Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.
Ability to express ideas and information orally and in writing.
Ability to determine work priorities, organize, assign, and coordinate work, and ensure assignments are completed properly.
Ability to follow written and oral directions and instructions.
Problem-solving skills and ability to work with individuals and groups, multitask, and manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
Ability to plan and organize work to meet regulatory requirements concerning eligibility and timeliness.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Professional and courteous demeanor and ability to establish cooperative working relationships with the public and staff.
Attention to detail and ability to enter data accurately into computerized systems, navigate multiple screens and applications, and prepare clear, concise, accurate records and documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Windows and Office Suite products, including Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
Ability to analyze and interpret written, numerical, and verbal data from various sources and prepare reports and memoranda accurately and promptly.
Ability to maintain confidentiality as required.
Ability to travel as necessary.
Successful completion of a Level 2 Criminal History Background Check.

Responsibilities

Represent the Department and OPPG in legal matters concerning regulation and enforcement of Chapter 744, Florida Statutes, as applicable to professional guardians.
File administrative actions against professional guardians and represent the Department and OPPG before the Division of Administrative Hearings and other administrative and judicial forums.
Provide legal advice and assistance concerning investigations, prosecutions, and the official duties of OPPG.
Coordinate legal activities with Guardianship Investigators; maintain a current tracking system for complaint sufficiency, close-out letters, enforcement actions, and closed files; and ensure relevant legal documents are maintained and available.
Consult and coordinate with the Executive Director of OPPG on initial legal sufficiency determinations for complaints.
Assist in developing and maintaining legally current and consistent training curricula and guardianship testing.
Provide legal assistance to OPPG concerning inquiries from Public Guardians, litigation, and other matters.
Draft and review proposed administrative rules, participate in rule development and hearings, guide staff through the statutory rulemaking process, and advise on coordination with relevant state offices and committees.
Review OPPG contracts and amendments and handle legal issues related to OPPG contract procurement.
Develop, draft, review, monitor, and implement proposed legislation; prepare bill analyses; review statutes for potential legislative changes; and monitor legislative activity affecting the Department and OPPG.
Conduct thorough legal research, investigate underlying facts with Department staff, monitor relevant litigation and court decisions, and interpret statutes, regulations, rules, and operating procedures.
Prepare, review, or approve contracts, leases, and other legal instruments for OPPG and the Department.
Handle or assist with OPPG public records requests and redact documents as appropriate.
Serve as or assist the Agency Clerk in processing administrative complaints, hearing requests, recommended orders, final orders, and appeals for OPPG.
Assist the attorney handling Department background-screening matters for OPPG.
Handle legal inquiries about HIPAA and its application to OPPG.
Advise the Secretary, OPPG staff, and other administrative or managerial employees on complex legal issues related to public and professional guardians.
Anticipate legal issues in proposed plans and programs and advise on legal and administrative alternatives; provide preventative advice to avoid or mitigate litigation.
Attend executive management and staff meetings and provide requested legal advice; respond to Department personnel as directed by the Executive Director of OPPG.
Provide legal representation to OPPG in support of its IT needs.
Perform other duties assigned by the Executive Director of OPPG.

Benefits

State Group Health Insurance Coverage
$25,000 life insurance policy paid 100% by the employer
Dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options
Annual and sick leave benefits
10 paid holidays each year
Retirement plan options, including employer contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts
Tuition waivers for State of Florida community colleges, colleges, and universities

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