Associate General Counsel for Privacy and Contracts

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Description

Job Title:  Associate General Counsel for Privacy and Contracts

Pay Grade: M

Job Summary:

Make a Difference in Behavioral Health: Join Our Legal Team!

Are you a passionate advocate for privacy and compliance? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where you can make a real difference in the lives of others? The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is seeking a skilled and dedicated attorney to join our team in a multifaceted role that combines HIPAA privacy expertise with contract management and legal counsel.

In this impactful position, you will:

• Champion Privacy: Serve as the HIPAA Privacy Officer, developing and implementing comprehensive privacy programs to safeguard sensitive health information and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Shape Agreements: Negotiate and draft a wide range of contracts, agreements, and MOUs, ensuring strong legal protections and facilitating crucial partnerships.
• Provide Strategic Legal Counsel: Offer expert legal guidance on complex behavioral health issues, ensuring compliance and mitigating risk.
• Investigate and Resolve Compliance Issues: Proactively identify and address potential compliance gaps, ensuring adherence to regulations.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared goals and foster a culture of compliance.
• Be a Problem-Solver: Investigate and resolve compliance issues, conduct risk assessments, and provide expert guidance to internal and external stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A strong foundation in healthcare law and HIPAA regulations.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.
• A collaborative spirit and a commitment to ethical conduct.
• The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• A passion for public service and improving the lives of individuals with behavioral health needs.

Why Join DBHDD?

• Make a meaningful impact: Contribute to an organization dedicated to providing essential services and support to individuals with behavioral health and developmental disabilities.
• Expand your expertise: Gain valuable experience in a diverse range of legal areas, including HIPAA privacy, contracts, and administrative law.
• Professional growth: Enjoy opportunities for professional development and advancement within a supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Work-life balance: Benefit from a competitive salary and benefits package, including generous leave time and flexible work options.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in the State of Georgia.
• 3 years of legal experience, with a preference for 5 years and experience in healthcare law, HIPAA, and/or state contracts and procurement.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.  

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.