Senior State Employment Attorney - Labor & Policy

State of Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) seeks an experienced attorney to serve as lead consultant on statewide employment and labor matters, advising agency leadership on risk and compliance. The role handles multi-agency initiatives and litigation support, with duties spanning drafting and reviewing complex legal documents and coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office.

Based in Columbus, this hourly, exempt position offers exposure to policy development, regulatory analysis, and

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to the Ohio Bar.
• Minimum 18 months of experience as a licensed attorney.
• 6 months of supervisory experience or principles/techniques.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead legal consultant for statewide employment and labor matters, including discipline, investigations, collective bargaining, accommodations, EEO, ADA, FMLA, public records related to personnel, and workforce policy issues.
• Research, analyze, and interpret federal and state employment laws.
• Advise agency leadership, HR, and program administration on legal risk and compliance.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate legal activities for major departmental and system-wide initiatives.
• Serve as DBH legal representative on statewide and multi-agency workgroups and policy committees.
• Review and analyze proposed legislation, administrative rules, and regulatory actions affecting employment and labor operations.
• Provide ongoing and project-based legal consultation to agency leadership.
• Direct preparation and reviews of legal documentation, including opinions, memoranda, and contracts.
• Exercise independent judgment on complex legal issues; liaise with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office on assigned matters.
• Coordinate with the agency’s legislative liaison regarding statutory and rule changes.
• Assist Chief Legal Counsel with employment-related litigation and administrative proceedings, including matters before the Ohio Court of Claims and courts.
• Participate in pre-trial conferences; review case documentation; assess legal risk; and recommend settlements or appeals.

Skills

Attorney/Legal

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) seeks an experienced attorney to serve as lead consultant on statewide employment and labor matters, advising agency leadership on risk and compliance. The role handles multi-agency initiatives and litigation support, with duties spanning drafting and reviewing complex legal documents and coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office.

Based in Columbus, this hourly, exempt position offers exposure to policy development, regulatory analysis, and