HSC General Counsel

Sdsoybean; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Social Services is seeking a Litigation Supervisor within the Division of Legal Services. The role focuses on representing the Department in litigation, including administrative hearings and circuit court, while guiding a team of attorneys across diverse welfare and health-related issues.

The ideal candidate will bring substantial litigation experience, strong ethics, and the ability to manage staff and coordinate with multiple divisions to advance agency goals.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Active South Dakota State Bar membership or willingness to become.
• Eligibility for appointment as Special Assistant Attorney General.
• Experience in litigation and staff management is highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Department in litigation before state courts and administrative tribunals.
• Plan and execute litigation strategies, prepare witnesses, motions, briefs and exhibits.
• Supervise attorneys within the Division of Legal Services and coordinate with other divisions.

Skills

Litigation

Leadership

Communication

Ethical conduct

Independent work

Planning & organizing

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor

Active SD State Bar

Eligibility for Special Assistant Attorney General

Job description

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

Posted 2 days ago

Description

Department of Social Services

Division of Legal Services

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

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.

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 who 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.

This is a supervisory position, meaning the successful applicant will be expected to take a leadership role within the Division of Legal Services and the Department. Leadership in this context will include participation in strategic planning and other agency-wide initiatives; assisting with management of other staff members; serving as a liaison to share information across interdepartmental and interdisciplinary teams and workgroups; and effectively communicating regarding various philosophies, communication styles, and goals of the Division and Department.

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 $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.