Attorney IV - Forensics (Central Office)

State of South Carolina

West Columbia (SC)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

26 hours ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

15 days annual leave

Parental Leave

Retirement options

Deferred Compensation

Job summary

State of South Carolina seeks an Attorney IV for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The role involves providing professional legal services in forensics, reimbursement matters, and mental health law, while supervising legal clerks and interns.

You will interact with agency staff, courts, and public officials, and may travel within South Carolina. A law degree and SC Bar admission with 10+ years of experience are required, with bilingual abilities considered a

Qualifications

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the South Carolina Bar in good standing and completion of the 403 requirements.
Minimum of ten years' experience practicing law as an attorney.

Responsibilities

Provide professional legal services and represent the agency in Forensics, criminally involved patients hearings, reimbursement matters, and mental health law.
Supervise Legal Clerks and/or Legal Interns; hire law clerks; liaise with USC Law Career Center; approve time and leave.
Respond to legal questions from agency staff, public officials, courts, attorneys, and public about agency operations and applicable law.
Work with the Division of Financial Services and Procurement on contract matters.
Serve as senior or lead attorney and manage or mentor staff in forensic and related duties.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Legal research

Public sector experience

Education

Juris Doctor degree or equivalent

Member in good standing with SC Bar and 403 requirements

At least ten years of experience as an attorney

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 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.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

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

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.

Benefits

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.

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.

If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense (other than in a Juvenile Court), you MUST list this information (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record.) This includes fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you from employment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is considered falsification of the application and WILL BE grounds for termination, if hired. It is your responsibility to know what is on your criminal record. If you have charges on your record that appear without a court disposition (result) you may be asked to provide that information if selected for employment. If you have questions, please inquire before you complete your application. PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION WILL DEEM YOUR APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below.