Job Description

Posting number: 193594

Department: Department of Public Health

Division: Office of General Counsel

Job classification: Attorney II

Posting type: Open

Categories: Health Services, Legal, Public Health, Attorney

Summary

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Careers at DPH: Work that makes a difference!

Embracing Service, Inspiring Innovation, Promoting Teamwork, Pursuing Excellence, and Advancing Equity

At the South Carolina Department of Public Health (“DPH”), you will do meaningful work contributing to our mission to protect, promote, and improve the health and well-being of everyone in South Carolina.

Consider joining the DPH Office of General Counsel (“OGC”), where you will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative and supportive environment where people come first, where we encourage a healthy work-life balance, and where you will become part of a dedicated team of attorneys who advise the state’s first stand-alone public health agency in 50 years.

Under the supervision of the agency’s Chief Counsel for Healthcare Quality (HQ), the attorney will provide legal advice and support to all HQ programs. This role involves working closely with program directors and staff engaged in specialized areas of healthcare facility and provider regulation and oversight. The attorney will assist with the promulgation of regulations and advise HQ staff on state and federal statutory and regulatory licensing and certification matters, including the State Health Facility Licensure Act and the Social Security Act. Other statutes, regulations, and subject matter areas the attorney will assist with include Midwives and Hearing Aid Specialists, Tattooing and Body Piercing, and Background Checks for Direct Caregivers. Also included among HQ program areas are Emergency Medical Services, Narcotics and Controlled Substances, and the Prescription Monitoring Program.

The attorney will conduct complex legal research and prepare legal opinions and memoranda. The attorney will advise and represent HQ programs regarding enforcement matters and licensing and certification applications in meetings, enforcement conferences, contested cases at the Administrative Law Court and any further appeals, as well as certified nurse aide registry hearings. Additional responsibilities include supporting the development of Department policies, procedures, and training, coordinating responses to subpoenas, and advising HQ program areas regarding compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. The position also requires participation in the agency’s Incident Command Structure during emergencies, as needed. The attorney will draft, review, and revise legal documents to ensure accuracy, proper content, and appropriate form and grammar. The attorney will also participate in public speaking engagements by creating and delivering educational and informational presentations both within and outside the Department.

Examples of duties

State Minimum Requirements: A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney. Member of the South Carolina Bar.

Agency Additional Requirements:

• Be a member in good standing of the South Carolina Bar;
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license; and
• Have completed trial experiences as required by Rule 403, S.C. Appellate Court Rules.

The successful candidate must:

• Be trustworthy, self-motivated, and reliable;
• Possess a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently without regular guidance from their supervisor;
• Possess a level head, good judgment and common sense;
• Possess a strong working knowledge of the laws of South Carolina, with the ability to explain legal issues in simple, direct, and easily understandable terms;
• Possess strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in a team environment and interact professionally and collaboratively with all levels of internal staff, courts, opposing counsel, government agencies, entities, and the public;
• Possess strong public-speaking skills;
• Demonstrate strong legal writing skills (a legal writing sample must be submitted with your application);
• Possess strong organizational skills; and
• Possess a commitment to professionalism, ethics, and public service.

Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application may upload an unofficial copy of the transcript as an attachment to the application. Please note that the agency will require an official, certified copy of the transcript or diploma prior to hiring. Institutions of Higher Learning must be recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:

• Experience in administrative and regulatory law or healthcare law, or education, training, or experience in regulatory compliance or a healthcare-related industry;
• Experience with the state process for regulation promulgation; and
• Experience in litigation.

Supplemental information

EEO: The Department of Public Health 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.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants needing accommodation for medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may submit a request for accommodation. A reasonable accommodation may be granted if it doesn't impose an undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

STATE DISASTER PLAN: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, Department of Public Health employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

DRIVING RECORD: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

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

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

HYBRID WORK: The option to work partially remote or adjusted work hours may be available after 12 months of employment for approved positions.