Deputy General Counsel

This position is in the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES), Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The Deputy General Counsel serves as the assistant chief legal officer and technical legal advisor to the General Counsel and assists the General Counsel in managing the DOES’ legal affairs and staff assigned to perform legal work. The overall function is to provide comprehensive legal service, counsel, recommendations, reviews and opinions regarding all functions and activities, both programmatic and administrative.

DOES administers programs and policies that strengthen the District’s workforce, including the District’s Unemployment Insurance program, workers’ compensation system, and First Source program. The agency partners with the U.S. Department of Labor, other federal agencies, the DC Council, and local employers to ensure compliance with federal and District statutes while promoting equitable workforce development opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities

As Deputy General Counsel, you will assist the General Counsel in all areas of the Office's operations, to include implementing, coordinating and directing the legal affairs for DOES, designed to facilitate and improve legal service delivery to its clientele. Advise the General Counsel on legal and policy matters related to legislation and regulations. Develop and institutes program guidelines, new and improved policies, procedures and processes to effect efficient program operations. Independently, plan, develop and institute short- and long-term agency plans and activities, incorporating strategic provisions, as required.

Assist in overseeing the review, research, and preparation of responses for the Director to selected and sensitive, and often confidential inquiries related to First Source Law, unemployment insurance, workforce development, and Labor standards to support the agency’s strategic initiatives and correspondence from the Mayor, members of the Council of the District of Colombia, officials of the District and Federal governments, the media, and those surrounding jurisdictions, members of the private sector, and the general public. Prepares testimony for presentation at hearings before the Council of the District of Columbia, congressional committees, and other public appearances. Also, represents and speaks for the Department of Employment Services on various complex and sensitive issues. Prepares legal documents on complex and substantive matters of an urgent nature, providing summary analysis of issues and recommendations for consideration of the DOES Director.

Qualifications and Experience

Must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) at the time of appointment.

At least six (6) years of post J.D. professional legal experience, including experience providing legal advice to senior executives or government officials, managing or supervising a legal team, and leading complex legal operations.

Substantive expertise in unemployment insurance law and regulations is highly desirable.

Experience in grants management and federal funding compliance preferred.

Knowledge of First Source Law or similar local hiring statutes, and familiarity with federal and District workforce development policies, is strongly preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

Must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment. An appointee to the Legal Service position shall remain a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar during his/her employment in the Legal Service. If eligible for waiver, incumbent must submit an application for admission prior to commencing employment and successfully obtain admission to the D.C. Bar within 360 days of commencing employment.

Working Conditions/Environment

Work is normally performed in an office environment. Occasionally, the incumbent may be required to visit various locations within and outside the District of Columbia.

Other Significant Factors

Tour of Duty: Varies

Duration of Appointment: This is a Senior Executive Attorney Service (LX) Appointment.

Promotion Potential: No known promotional potential

Plan, Series, Grade: LX-0905-01

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under collective bargaining agreement.

Position Designation: In accordance with Chapter 4 of the D.C. personnel regulations, Suitability, this position has been deemed security-sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit check, traffic record checks, and drug screenings, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.

Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as “emergency”; incumbent must adhere to the policies in sections 1271 and 1274 of DPM Chapter 12, regarding Emergency/Essential employees. As an emergency employee, you will be required to either report to work, stay at work, or telework (if directed to do so) during a declared emergency or during a period of non-emergency where your duties have been deemed as critical District government functions/operations. You may be required to perform other duties outside of your position description during a period of a declared emergency (such as manual labor, shelter services, etc.).

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.