Attorney III

Stop counting minutes and start making an impact. Join the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) for a legal career with zero billable hours and work that serves the public good. Trade the grind for a mission.

This position functions as an Assistant General Counsel for BHDD:

• Provides legal advice and assistance to agency personnel on complex legal matters. Assists the General Counsel in preparing and issuing legal opinions to key BHDD staff.
• Reviews employee grievance appeals and discrimination complaints. Represents BHDD in employee mediations and in grievance appeals. Assists the Human Resources Department with personnel matters, investigations, and unemployment hearings.
• Represents BHDD in Family Court and Probate Court in Judicial Admission proceedings. Prepares orders and other court documents related to court proceedings
• Conducts legal research and advises key BHDD staff on whether BHDD directives and policies comply with State and Federal laws. Provides recommendations for updating BHDD directives and polices based on State and Federal laws, Legislative Audit Council (LAC) recommendations, and best practices.
• Process Freedom of Information Act requests as well as Records Requests for the agency.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

This position is located at the BHDD Central Office, located in Cayce, SC.

• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school
• A member, in good standing, with the South Carolina Bar.
• Completion of Rule 403 requirements
• At least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney

Experience with South Carolina State Courts, Family Courts, and/or Probate Courts. Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. Knowledge of agency policies, standards, and procedures. Ability to Interpret and apply policies, laws, and judicial decisions. Ability to establish priorities. Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Some familiarity with Roberts Rules of Procedure. Knowledge and experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Workers' Compensation Act; and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General List of Excluded Individuals/Entities screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan ( SCRS )
  • State Optional Retirement Program ( State ORP )