Attorney III - Tort & Contracts (Central Office)

State of South Carolina; Cayce (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

15 days annual leave

13 paid holidays

Parental Leave

retirement plan

Job summary

The State of South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) seeks an Attorney III at its Central Office in Cayce, SC to provide professional legal services in contracts, tort and litigation, HIPAA privacy, and agency counsel.

The role emphasizes serving the public good with a traditional 40-hour week and no billable hours. Requires a JD, SC Bar admission, and at least five years of practice. Occasional travel within SC may be required.

Qualifications

• Juris doctor degree from accredited law school.
• Member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar and completion of the 403 requirements.
• At least five years of experience as an attorney.

Responsibilities

• Tort and Litigation: Manage tort claims and coordinate discovery; direct representation in absence of IRF coverage.
• Contracts: Review contracts with providers, leases, and healthcare facility operations; advise on contract matters.

Skills

Legal analysis

Litigation

Contract review

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

SC Bar admission

Tools

HIPAA knowledge

Job description

Stop counting minutes and start making an impact. Join the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for a legal career with zero billable hours, a true 40-hour week, and work that serves the public good. Trade the grind for a mission.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Central Office, 400 Otarre Parkway Cayce, SC 29033.

As the Attorney III, under the general supervision of the BHDD General Counsel, acting with substantial independence, attorney provides professional legal services and representation for the agency in the primary areas of contracts, tort and litigation: mental health law and processes, and related advice and counsel to the agency.

Responsibilities for the Attorney III:

• Tort and Litigation - Manage all tort claims against the agency. Liaison with the Insurance Reserve Fund, outside counsel, and third parties as needed. Manage outside attorney who represent the agency in tort matters. Coordinate all necessary discovery within litigation matters. Direct representation of agency in the absence of IRF coverage for cases. Maintain the agency's litigation report and regularly update same.
• Contracts - Serve as BHDDs contracts attorney by reviewing contracts for individual medical providers, property leases and contracts for the operation of healthcare facilities and statewide third parties. Provide legal advice to agency employees, management, and officials in matters primarily related to contracts as needed. Work with the Division of Financial Services and Procurement on all contract related matters.
• HIPAA Privacy and Compliance - Interpret laws and policies regarding patient privacy as it relates to HIP AA, Part 2 and other state and federal privacy requirements. Develop policies and forms necessary to assist agency staff in understanding and adhering to privacy requirements. Assist Compliance Office in certification, regulatory, and audit matters.
• Consultation - Respond to questions of a legal nature from agency staff, public officials, courts, attorneys, public agencies, medical providers, and the public about agency operations, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and applicable law and policies.

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

Additional Requirements

• Ability to attend meetings or conduct trainings outside of usual business hours
• Ability to travel within South Carolina
• Occasional in-state travel may be necessary

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Post hire, employees must have:

• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina and knowledge of general case, statutory and common law.
• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance
• Good verbal and written communication skills with emphasis on attention to written details.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws in court decisions. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and legal instruments.
• Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Ability to plan and direct the activities of a legal staff.

The 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 Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• 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)

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

Why Cayce, South Carolina?

Cayce, South Carolina offers a perfect mix of art, history, and outdoor fun—all in one convenient location. Experience the best of the Midlands in Cayce—where creativity, history, and adventure come together.

Explore the creative energy of the Cayce River Arts District, or step back in time at the Cayce Historical Museum and 12,000 Year History Park.

Enjoy family-friendly attractions nearby like Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden and EdVenture Children’s Museum, or relax along the scenic Cayce Riverwalk.

Just minutes away, discover local culture at the Columbia Museum of Art, shop fresh goods at the South Carolina State Farmers Market, or catch a game at Williams-Brice Stadium.

From outdoor adventures to local favorites, Cayce is your starting point for unforgettable experiences in the heart of South Carolina.