What are the responsibilities and job description for the GENERAL COUNSEL position at Arizona Department of Corrections?
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) is seeking an experienced and driven Attorney to join our team as our General Counsel. The General Counsel must be skilled in exercising discretion and independent judgment in overseeing the day-to-day functions of the General Counsel Office and providing legal advice and consultation to the Director and Division Directors on a variety of corrections and government issues. This role requires a keen legal acumen and the ability to manage relationships with various stakeholders including the Governor’s Office, Attorney General’s Office, and outside firms working on current and pending litigation affecting the Agency. The ideal candidate will operate with integrity, support the mission and vision of the Agency, and be familiar with current criminal justice case law, rules, and regulations. The General Counsel will use this foundation to give guidance, assess policies and procedures, and identify and resolve legal issues that may impact ADCRR.Responsibilities : Provides advice to the Director and leadership team on an ad hoc basis as issues arise across the agency.Reviews and offers recommendations regarding Agency policy and procedure.Coordinates ADCRR’s response with other stakeholders (Executive, Attorney General’s office, etc.) on significant cases, rulings, and events.Supports the Assistant Attorney General team assigned to represent the ADCRR in inmate lawsuits, procurement issues, and public records litigation.Supervises the Inmate Grievance and Disciplinary Hearing Officers and provides legal advice to the agency relating to grievance and disciplinary appeals.Maintains record retention schedules.Responds to public records requests through the Public Access Unit.Provides day-to-day interpretation of policy in response to outside advocates and attorneys.Oversees the ADCRR Inmate Legal Access Program under Department Order 902.Acts as primary contact for the Federal District Court’s inmate mediation pilot program.Drives on State business, including overnight stays.Performs other duties appropriate to the assignment.Minimum Requirements : License to practice law in the State of Arizona.Requires possession of, and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12).Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation.Selective Preference : Ten or more years experience in the practice of law, with five or more years in the management of legal staff. Preference will be given to individuals who can demonstrate experience in corrections or criminal justice law.#J-18808-Ljbffr