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Posted July 06, 2020

Chief Legal Officer

Georgia Department of Public Health
Atlanta, GA Full Time

Connect passion with purpose. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives...

Connect passion with purpose. The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to proudly protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. We are committed to the health of the entire population as our work impacts past, present and future generations.

What we offer. Enjoy a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, unique training opportunities, engaging worksite wellness events, Capitol Hill Fitness Center access, wellness breaks, lactation rooms, employee retirement plan, deferred compensation, 12 paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, dental, vision, long term care, and life insurance; in addition to telework opportunities depending upon the position.

Make your mark in public service. As an accredited public health department, we're seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of Chief Legal Officer. Won't you join us?

Job Responsibilities

Under the administrative direction of the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner, the individual represents and advises the board and staff in all legal matters pertaining to the daily operations of DPH. Manages the legal division and ensures that all activities of DPH are legally supportable and carried out in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and rules. Oversees work with outside legal firms providing specialized services to the agency; researches, prepares and presents legal opinions and coordinates division activities with other agency officials or outside agencies. Provides responsible and complex legal support to the agency in meeting operational, regulatory, and fiduciary responsibilities and performs related duties as required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative direction is received from the DPH Commissioner. The incumbent exercises direct supervision over assigned professional and legal support staff. Performance Attributes

Include but are not limited to the following:

Directs Legal division activities including development and presentation of legal opinions and coordinating representation of the agency in litigation involving public health and other specialized areas of law; consults with outside attorneys on agency related matters.

Serves as legal counsel to the agency; advises agency officials in legal matters pertaining to their offices and meeting their responsibilities; researches, prepares and presents legal opinions; ensures that activities of the agency are legally supportable and in accordance with agency rules and regulations; assists in the representation of the agency in litigation, hearings and other legal matters.

Confers with agency managers regarding current anticipated legal services requirements and issues; analyzes the feasibility of alternative approaches to meeting requirements; develops and recommends agency-wide short and long term legal services and plans.

Develops, implements and maintains Legal Division's goals, objectives, policies and priorities for appropriate service areas; ensures that established goals and priorities are achieved.

Plans, directs and coordinates the Legal Division's work plans through appropriate division staff; assigns work activities and responsibilities to appropriate personnel; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; identifies and resolves problems.

Oversees the selection, training and evaluation programs for all Legal Division personnel; establishes performance requirements and staff development goals; identifies and resolves staff deficiencies; executes discipline and termination procedures.

Develops and provides legal education programs to the Board and staff; provides and coordinates staff and Board training on legal issues.

Manages and coordinates the development of the Legal Division's budget; monitors and approves expenditures; advises appropriate division personnel on budget matters; makes adjustments to the budget as necessary.

Serves as a resource for division personnel and agency staff.

Attends and participates in professional and community meetings as necessary; stays current on legal issues relative to public health; responds to and resolves sensitive and complex legal inquiries and issues.

Performs other duties as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that has provided knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Chief Legal Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of seven years of progressively responsible experience in a comparable legal environment including involvement with litigation and program management.

Juris Doctor Degree from a fully accredited American Bar Association approved law school or equivalent qualification.

Special Notes, Licenses or Requirements:

Current membership in the State Bar of Georgia.

Valid Georgia class C driver's license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel.

May be required to use personal vehicle.

Complete background investigation is required; a felony or misdemeanor conviction may be a disqualifying factor from employment.

Additional Information

Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner and leaders encourages all employees to engage in regular wellness activities and to make lifestyle choices that promote health and well-being.

The use of wellness breaks during the workday is authorized to support this philosophy and assist employees in meeting their wellness goals. A maximum of 30 minutes in a given workday may be used to engage in wellness activities, generally in the form of two 15-minute breaks or one 30-minute break.

Employment Information

Current State employees are subject to State Personnel Board rules regarding salary.

DPH accepts educational credential recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the US Department of Education (DOE) will be considered. DPH will contact educational institutions to verify degree, diploma, licensure, etc.

The candidate selected for this position may be subject to pre-employment drug screening and a criminal background check.

As an employee of DPH, in the event of an identified emergency you may be required, as a term and condition of employment, to assist in meeting the emergency responsibilities of the department.

This listing expired on Sep 03. Applications are no longer accepted.

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