Attorney III - Tort & Contracts (Central Office)

State of South Carolina; West Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

13 paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

The State of South Carolina is seeking an Attorney III for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). Located at the Central Office in Cayce, the attorney will provide legal services in contracts, tort and litigation, and privacy compliance while advising agency staff and officials.

Qualifications include a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school, active SC Bar status, and at least five years of attorney experience.

Qualifications

• A juris doctor degree from an accredited law school; member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar.
• Five (5) years of experience as an attorney.
• Ability to travel within South Carolina and attend meetings outside normal hours.

Responsibilities

• Tort and litigation management for the agency, coordinating discovery and liaising with IRF and outside counsel.
• Contracts work reviewing contracts with medical providers, leases, and healthcare facility agreements.
• HIPAA privacy compliance interpretation, policy development, and assisting the Compliance Office with audits.
• Respond to legal questions from staff, officials, courts, and the public about agency operations and laws.

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Job Responsibilities

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.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

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 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——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.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time‑limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.