Attorney III

Job Responsibilities

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people's lives? Join our team at the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) where we are dedicated to providing compassionate and accessible care to our community. We are seeking an Attorney who is motivated to help individuals and families navigate life's challenges and achieve long-term wellness. If you want to use your skills to build a healthier, more resilient community, we encourage you to apply.

This position functions as an Assistant General Counsel for BHDD-OIDD:

• Provides legal advice and assistance to agency personnel on complex legal matters. Assists the General Counsel in preparing and issuing legal opinions to key BHDD-OIDD staff.
• Reviews employee grievance appeals and discrimination complaints. Represents BHDD-OIDD in employee mediations and in grievance appeals. Assists the Human Resources Department with personnel matters, investigations, and unemployment hearings.
• Represents BHDD-OIDD in Family Court and Probate Court in Judicial Admission proceedings. Prepares orders and other court documents related to court proceedings
• Conducts legal research and advises key BHDD-OIDD staff on whether BHDD-OIDD directives and policies comply with State and Federal laws. Provides recommendations for updating BHDD-OIDD directives and polices based on State and Federal laws, Legislative Audit Council (LAC) recommendations, and best practices.
• Process Freedom of Information Act requests as well as Records Requests for the agency.
• Review all reports at Regional Centers pertaining to Deaths, Critical Incidents, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation cases; and provide quality management feedback of those reports.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD), Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (OIDD) plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of:

• intellectual disability and related disabilities
• autism spectrum disorder
• traumatic brain injury
• spinal cord injury and similar disability

This position is located at the BHDD-OIDD Central Office, located in Cayce, SC.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school; member, in good standing, of the South Carolina Bar; and at least three (3) years' experience as a practicing attorney. Experience should include: state courts, family courts, probate courts, and/or administrative hearings.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with South Carolina State Courts, Family Courts, and/or Probate Courts. Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. Knowledge of agency policies, standards, and procedures. Ability to Interpret and apply policies, laws, and judicial decisions. Ability to establish priorities. Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Some familiarity with Roberts Rules of Procedure. Knowledge and experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Workers' Compensation Act; and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Additional Comments

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening – to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General “List of Excluded Individuals/Entities” screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with consumers of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, tuberculosis (TB) skin or blood testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resources for further information.

Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
• Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)