General Counsel - Human Services Center

State Bar of South Dakota; South Shore (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Social Services seeks a highly motivated attorney to serve as Litigation Supervisor and General Counsel for the Human Services Center. This role will represent the Department statewide in litigation including administrative hearings and circuit court, while supervising other attorneys within the division.

Ideal candidate is a graduate of an accredited law school, admitted to the SD State Bar (or eligible) and capable of handling diverse legal issues from abuse and

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited law school.
• Member of the South Dakota State Bar or eligible to become one.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Department in litigation before Supreme Court, Circuit Court, and OAH.
• Plan and execute litigation, prepare witnesses, motions, briefs and exhibits.
• Provide legal advice and support to DSS divisions as needed.

Skills

Litigation experience

Supervisory experience

Ethical conduct

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

General Counsel - Human Services Center

Sioux Falls, SD or Yankton, SD | Social Services | Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly

• Job ID: 37731
• Job Title: HSC General Counsel
• Location: Sioux Falls or Yankton, South Dakota (some travel expected)
• Salary: Depending on experience
• Pay Grade: L3
• Employment Type: Permanent Employee – 40 hours weekly
• Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Department of Social Services seeks an attorney committed to serving the public. To learn more about the DSS and who we serve, please visit https://dss.sd.gov.

The Division of Legal Services within the South Dakota Department of Social Services is seeking to hire a highly motivated and experienced attorney to serve as a Litigation Supervisor. The duties of the Litigation Supervisor would include representing the Department on a wide variety of legal issues, including abuse and neglect of children, child support, childcare, behavioral health, Medicaid, and Medicaid recovery as well as assisting with the supervision of other attorneys within the division. The Litigation Supervisor represents the Department throughout the state in litigation before the Supreme Court, Circuit Court, and the Office of Administrative Hearings.

Our Culture

Family-focused. Person-centered.

At our organization, it is the belief that every South Dakota family has the right to be safe and secure. We believe in respecting individuals and cultural differences by treating people with dignity, fairness, and respect.

Our Department

Build Strong Families, South Dakota’s Foundation and Our Future.

The Department of Social Services aims to strengthen and support individuals and families, connecting them with resources to foster independent and healthy lives.

Our Team

Dependable. Committed. Compassionate.

As a member of the Department of Social Services, you will be part of a team of professionals who are dependable, committed, and compassionate. We believe collaborative communication, teamwork, partnerships, and trust are foundational to the delivery of essential family services.

Who We Want

• an attorney interested in a range of legal subjects relating to administrative rulemaking, professional licensing, open meetings and open records, child abuse and neglect, child welfare agency licensing, Medicaid and other state/federal assistance programs, child support enforcement, and behavioral health services;
• a highly motivated attorney with a passion for serving the public and who displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals;
• a dependable and organized individual who effectively plans and organizes work activities;
• a person who is dedicated and will represent the Department of Social Service with integrity and enthusiasm;
• an individual who works cooperatively with others and promotes a friendly work climate in order to achieve shared goals.

What You Will Do

This position will be responsible for representing the Department of Social Services in litigation, including in administrative hearings as well as circuit court. Duties will include planning and executing litigation, preparing witnesses; preparing motions, briefs, and exhibits; and arguing cases. Duties will likely also include conducting research and rendering advice in support of all DSS divisions as specific questions and issues arise, and additional responsibilities as assigned.

Education/Licenses

The applicant must be a graduate of an accredited law school; be a member of the South Dakota State Bar or willing and qualified to become a member of the South Dakota State Bar, and qualify for appointment as a Special Assistant Attorney General. Admission and/or experience with tribal courts would be a plus.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• experience with litigation and with management of other staff is strongly desired for this position. In addition, the candidate should:
• display high standards of ethical conduct;
• communicate effectively and efficiently;
• understand litigation practice and strategies;
• exercise sound judgment when making decisions and take prompt, decisive action;
• analyze information, issues, situations, practices, and precedents to arrive at a logical interpretation;
• work independently while accepting guidance and soliciting input;
• actively seek, collect, and evaluate information to learn more about issues or events;
• successfully plan and organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, and prioritize tasks to complete assignments and meet schedules and deadlines.

Equally important will be a strong work ethic and the comprehension of critical thinking and problem solving techniques. If you believe in strengthening and supporting strong families and investing in South Dakota’s future, you may have found the dream job you’ve been waiting for!

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota, as an employer, will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers a $ 0-premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here. This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"