Asst Dir - General Counsel

DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) is a social and human services agency whose mission is to successfully partner with families, caregivers, and the community to strengthen families, ensure safety, and achieve permanency for all Arizona’s children through prevention, services, and support.ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - GENERAL COUNSEL Job Location : OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF GENERAL COUNSEL3003 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85012Salary : $154,999.94 AnnuallyGrade : E4Closing Date : February 8, 2025Job Summary : As an essential member of the Senior Executive Leadership Team of the agency, the Assistant Director of General Counsel is directly supervised by the Director of the organization. The primary responsibility of this role is to provide legal advice on a wide range of operational matters. In addition to that, the General Counsel serves as the Department's point of contact for legal issues, liaising with the Office of the Attorney General and outside counsel on matters relating to high-profile litigation.Apart from the legal responsibilities, the General Counsel also manages resources, including fiscal and staff, and develops and implements agency policies and procedures related to the functions of the Office of General Counsel. Additionally, this position involves state travel, which may require possible overnight stays.This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.Job Duties : As an Executive Leadership member, this position plays a substantial role in developing departmental policies and the strategic plan; directs the day-to-day operations of the Office of General Counsel, either directly or through subordinate administrators. Directs and oversees the functions and processes of the division while ensuring that functions and priorities are in alignment with the Department's operational and strategic objectives.Serves as the liaison with the Attorney General's Office on cases involving the Department and will communicate the Department's position on legal issues and decisions; and assists in the coordination of litigation efforts regarding high profile lawsuits against the Department and its employees.Conducts research, analyzes information, and provides legal advice to the Director and executive leadership on operational matters; and identifies significant litigation and major legal issues affecting the Department and proposing recommended courses of action based on their findings.Analyzes existing federal and state laws to determine their impact on the agency; and makes recommendations for changes in State laws based on their analysis. Monitors all proposed legislation impacting DCS, updates management of status, communicates any changes to DCS staff, and coordinates implementation of legislation as needed.Assists in the drafting of Department Orders and Director's Instruction, as well as course outlines and training materials.Reads and interprets statutes, case law, rules, and regulations and assessing the applications of policies and procedures to identify and resolve legal issues impacting employment practices.Other duties as assigned as related to the position.Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) : Knowledge of : State and Federal laws, rules and regulations governing the Department's operations including but not limited to employment, contract administration, criminal and family law, Indian Child Welfare ActAll phases of administrative proceedings and the litigation processState and Federal administrative hearings and proceedingsLegislature, Judicial and Executive branches of Arizona State GovernmentDepartment objectives, policies and proceduresOrganization and operations of the Office of the Attorney GeneralOrganization and operation of the Risk Management Division of the Department of AdministrationSkills in : Communication; written and verbalLegal research and analysisProblem solving; and public speaking of complex issues to the legislature or other audiencesOrganization, interpersonal relationsManagement and leadershipNegotiation and problem solvingExcellent judgment when dealing with elected officials, government officials, and representatives of the media and stakeholders on sensitive issuesAbility to : Plan and direct activities of the General Counsel staffPerform effective legal research and analysis of difficult and complex legal problems and apply legal principles and precedents to a particular set of factsWrite clear and precise letters, reports and opinions, and present oral statements of facts, law and arguments clearly and logicallyAnalyze and apply legal principlesCommunicate effectively; oral and writtenManage complex projects and solve complex problems under pressure, display sound judgmentSelective Preference(s) : A minimum ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law is preferred.Pre-Employment Requirements : Requires possession of an ability to maintain a current, valid license to practice law in the State of Arizona. Must be an active member in good standing with the Arizona Bar Association.The ability to secure and maintain clearance from the DCS Central Registry.This position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply : Driver’s License Requirements.All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).Benefits : The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including : Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plansTop-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans10 paid holidays per yearVacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 yearsSick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weeklyDeferred compensation planWellness plansBy providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work / life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page.Retirement : Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.Contact Us : Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-3141 or by email at ADA@AZDCS.GOV. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Should you have any further questions regarding the interview process you can reach out to a member of our recruitment team at 602-255-2903 or by email at recruiting@azdcs.gov. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation Employer.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Salary : $155,000