REPOST. Previous applicants need not re-apply.
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm
35 Hours - Non-Standard
Job Requisition NumberJR101328 LEGAL COUNSEL (BHDDH) (Open)Pay GradeC00136 AClassificationLegal Counsel (BHDDH)Class DefinitionGENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform specialized legal research and provide legal services to the various divisions or agencies within the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) in the areas of psychiatric, medical and administrative hearings and in labor arbitrations; and to do related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of a superior with latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent legal judgement.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: As required, plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and reviews the work of a staff assigned to assist.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
- To perform specialized legal research and provide legal services to the various divisions or agencies within the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) in the areas of psychiatric, medical and administrative hearings and in labor arbitrations.
- In conjunction with the Director, Executive Director, and Assistant Director of Legal Services, to represent the Department in court at civil commitment hearings, competency reviews and petitions for instructions.
- As directed, to cooperate with the Attorney General’s Office in preparing cases referred to that office for trial; to prepare the legal research and evidence necessary for the proper trial of such cases.
- As directed, to represent the Department in administrative hearings, labor arbitration hearings, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission hearings and Division of employment Security hearings.
- As directed, to draft legislation concerning mental health, people with an intellectual and developmental disability and substance abuse and amendments thereof.
- To prepare and/or review Department contracts and leases.
- To keep abreast of new federal and state laws which relate to the Department’s legal obligations; to alert and advise the departmental officials on the Department as to the legal and administrative effects of such legislation.
- To provide in-service training on legal issues to employees of the Department.
- To do related work as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of federal and state laws relating to mental health, people with an intellectual and developmental disability, substance abuse, equal employment opportunity (EEO) and labor; a thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and theory of the practice of law and the ability to employ this knowledge in providing legal advice and service; the ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts, evidence and precedents concerned in complex and difficult cases and to present such material in clear and logical form for oral or written presentations as briefs, opinions or decisions; the ability to draft legal instruments and legislation; and related capacities and abilities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education: Such as may have been gained through: graduation from and accredited law school; and
Experience: Such as may have been gained through: employment as a practicing attorney in a responsible position.
Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Must be a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and must maintain such membership as a condition of employment.
Supplemental InformationApplicant must be a member of the Rhode Island Bar and must maintain such membership as a condition of employment. Additionally, applicant must have demonstrated litigation experience and/or mental health law experience.The individual hired to fill this position will have access to Federal tax Information (FTI), as defined in IRS Publication 1075, and, as such, must undergo a national fingerprint background screening in accordance with the criteria set forth in regulation 220-RICR-40-00-2 (IRS Publication 1075 – Background Check Process and Criteria), available at https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/220-40-00-2. Additionally, the individual is being hired to an E-Verify site which contains FTI and must have their employment eligibility validated through E-Verify.
https://www.everify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf
https://everify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/EVerify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdfBenefits
For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.
Skills Required
- Member of the Rhode Island Bar Association and maintain such membership
- Graduation from an accredited law school (J.D. or equivalent)
- Experience as a practicing attorney in a responsible position (demonstrated litigation experience and/or mental health law experience)
- Demonstrated litigation experience representing clients in civil commitment hearings, competency reviews, administrative hearings, or labor arbitration
- Ability to draft legal instruments and legislation and to prepare/review departmental contracts and leases
- Ability to analyze complex legal facts and present clear written and oral legal arguments (briefs, opinions, decisions)
- Must undergo national fingerprint background screening in accordance with IRS Publication 1075
- Employment eligibility must be validated through E-Verify (ability to complete E-Verify required)
What We Do
The State of Rhode Island is the official government entity responsible for the administration, governance, and delivery of public services to the citizens and residents of the state of Rhode Island.
