Attorney IV - Forensics (Central Office)

State of South Carolina; Cayce (SC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

15 days annual vacation leave

15 days sick leave

13 paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

The State of South Carolina, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, is seeking an Attorney IV in Cayce, SC to provide legal services in Forensics, criminally involved patients, reimbursement matters, and mental health law under the agency's General Counsel.

This is a lead attorney role with supervision of legal clerks and interns; requires strong SC Bar standing, JD, and at least ten years of experience.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the South Carolina Bar in good standing and completion of the 403 requirements.
• At least ten years of experience as an attorney.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional legal services to BHDD, including Forensics and discharge hearings in General Sessions.
• Supervise Legal Clerks and/or Legal Interns and coordinate with the OGC and USC Law Career Center.
• Advise on contracts and procurement matters and respond to legal inquiries from agency staff and officials.
• Lead liaison for Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship and related programs.

Skills

Legal expertise

Court appearances

Leadership

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Education

Juris Doctor degree

SC Bar admission

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 IV, under limited supervision of the BHDD General Counsel, attorney will provide professional legal services and represent agency in the primary areas of Forensics, criminally involved patients (Not Competent to Stand Trial or Criminal Responsibility hearings), reimbursement matters, and mental health law and processes. You will serve as a senior or lead attorney and supervise legal clerks and/or legal interns.

Responsibilities for the Attorney IV

• Provide legal advice and assistance to the agencies Adult Forensic Programs, to include court appearances, and to present BHDD Forensic Program discharge recommendations in General Sessions. Serve as the Chair of the Forensic Discharge Review Board and Member of the Administrative Forensic Review Board (FRB). Advise agency regarding Forensic Inpatient and Forensic Evaluation Services programs waiting lists and assist in monitoring wait lists for both programs. Assist in negotiation discharge for patients with pending charges with Solicitors and related parties. Crosstrain Office of General Counsel (OGC) attorneys to represent the Department in Forensic hearings and FRB sessions. Provide assistance and guidance on court testimony and judicial process for the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program. Serve as lead attorney liaison for Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program.
• Supervise Legal Clerks and/ or Legal Interns. Hire law clerks. Serve as liaison between agency OGC and University of South Carolina's Law Career Center. Review work of clerk/intern, including estate claim filings and office-wide legal research. Approve time and leave for clerk/intern.
• 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.
• Work with the Division of Financial Services and Procurement on all contract related matters.

• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney
• A member and in good standing with the South Carolina Bar and completion of the 403 requirements
• At least ten (10) 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.
• Frequent in-state travel will 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.
• 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.