Assistant Attorney General (Health And Human Services Section)

Initial Posting Date:

07/26/2024

Application Deadline:

09/30/2024

Agency:

Department of Justice

Salary Range:

$8,298 - $16,113

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Assistant Attorney General (Health and Human Services Section)

Job Description:

This recruitment is being reopened to develop a larger pool of candidates for consideration. if you already have applied, you do not need to apply again, your application remains under consideration.

General Counsel Division, Health and Human Services Section

The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking applicants for Assistant Attorney General positions in the Health and Human Services Section of the General Counsel Division.

The Position: The Health and Human Services Section is currently seeking one or more lawyers with a strong interest in public service and looking for challenging and meaningful work to assist the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and other work as assigned by management.

ODHS is one of the largest agencies in Oregon state government with responsibility for administering programs serving some of Oregon's most vulnerable citizens to ensure people are safe, secure, and living as independently as possible. Attorneys in the Health and Human Services Section representing ODHS regularly advise on programs serving citizens who are aged, physically disabled, have an intellectual or developmental disability, or are victims of natural disasters, as well as programs that provide medical assistance, public assistance, or vocational rehabilitation services to those seeking to better support themselves and their families. Representation also includes support and appearance in administrative hearings involving regulation of long-term care facilities ranging from nursing homes to in-home care settings and the regulation of the individuals providing those services.

ODHS programs have complex and engaging federal and state regulatory schemes. Attorneys providing ODHS' legal services must be solution oriented, able to give cutting edge legal advice and bring creative legal approaches and fresh thinking to each new project, all consistent with DOJ policies and legal positions.

The Section: The Health and Human Services Section includes attorneys who are subject matter experts on public benefit programs including Medicaid; Public Health (we were at the center for COVID-19 related work and relief efforts); Protected Health Information; Forensic Psychiatric Care issues for both adults and juveniles, Elder Abuse and investigations; Regulatory Compliance as well as cutting edge regulated programs such as marijuana and psilocybin use. Some of the attorneys in the section are recognized as national leaders in their fields.

Department of Justice: Working for DOJ, the state's largest law firm, offers opportunities and benefits often not available in the private sector. Our work is varied and interesting, and while fast paced, working in the public sector permits attorneys to have a healthy work-life balance. The position is primarily based in Salem with opportunities to work in our Portland office as well as remotely on a hybrid schedule.

Professional Development: DOJ supports the professional development of its attorneys. We provide frequent in-house, Oregon State Bar accredited, continuing legal education seminars conducted by DOJ colleagues on topics within their practices and expertise. In addition, DOJ occasionally hosts seminars conducted by outside organizations, including the National Association of Attorneys General (of which Oregon Attorney General Rosenblum is the current President). Finally, DOJ attorneys receive the benefit of DOJ's membership in Practicing Law Institute, a national organization offering accredited, high quality continuing legal education seminars across a variety of subject matter areas.

Qualifications: An ideal candidate must have excellent analytical writing and research skills, and the ability to clearly and concisely communicate legal advice to clients. Preferably, a candidate would have experience in administrative law and administrative hearings. Also desired is the ability to quickly learn new areas of law and to understand and focus on the needs of the client. In this position, you would participate in policy discussions with the agency to understand its legal needs, provide written legal advice upon request, draft and review contracts, draft and review administrative rules, and monitor new legislation. Work would also include representing the state in administrative hearings and other work as assigned by management. More specific requirements and desired qualification are below.

Required:

• Active membership (in good standing) in the Oregon State Bar, by the time of appointment.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and contributing to an inclusive working environment where diverse individual experiences and perspectives are valued and supported.

• Three years of practical legal experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the applicant to perform the job responsibilities.

• Demonstrated exceptional research and advice writing, analytical, communication and presentation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to handle a heavy and challenging case and workload.

• Willingness and ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues and clients in both a remote and in-person environment.

• Strong work ethic and commitment to public service.

Desired:

• Experience advising clients about general government law including public records and public meetings, public contracting law, and administrative law.

• Sophisticated client counseling skills.

You may still be considered if you do not have the desired experience, however, you must demonstrate a genuine interest in developing the skills in the above-mentioned areas. Applicants most closely matching the requirements and needs of the position will be invited to interview. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Jeffrey Wahl, Attorney-in-Charge, Health and Human Services Section, at (503) 947-4540.

Application Process

• Follow the "Apply" link above. Current State of Oregon applicants are asked to use their state-issued log-in to access and apply in Workday. Using an external account disrupts the hiring process.

• Attach your resume.

• Attach your cover letter.

• Attach your writing sample.

This OAJA-represented position will be filled at either the Assistant Attorney General or Senior Assistant Attorney General level, salary range $8,298.00 - $16,113.00 per month, depending primarily on years of legal practice experience and other factors. Employees who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and pay a 6% employee contribution to PERS; the salary range noted reflects base salary only. For a partial list of our benefits, you can learn here.

ALL APPLICANTS: You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. Drag and drop both resume and cover letter into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that one or both requested documents didn't attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using your state-issued login, and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates.

Working for the Department of Justice

Assistant Attorneys General, on behalf of the Attorney General, represent the State of Oregon and state-elected and appointed officials, agencies, boards and commissions in most civil and many criminal proceedings. The Department offers a broad range of opportunities for attorneys to work on significant and complex issues that face our state and make a difference to the citizens of Oregon while providing unparalleled career satisfaction and professional prospects.

Conduct Expectations

The role of the Oregon Department of Justice is to provide justice and uphold the rule of law. Employees of the Department are required to meet the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics while on the job, and also to maintain those same high standards when taking actions in their personal lives that could reflect on the Department.

The Department of Justice

The Mission of the Oregon Department of Justice is to serve state government and to support safe and healthy communities throughout Oregon by providing essential justice services. Its over 1,400 employees in ten divisions, including more than 300 lawyers, are dedicated to the rule of law and serving the people of Oregon and its government.

The Attorney General and our ten divisions are dedicated to:

• Providing ethical, independent and high quality legal services to state government;

• Safeguarding consumers from fraud and unfair business practices;

• Fighting crime and helping crime victims;

• Advocating for vulnerable children;

• Supporting families through the collection of child support;

• Enforcing environmental protections;

• Defending the civil rights of all Oregonians;

• Pursuing justice and upholding the rule of law.

Diversity is a core value of the Department of Justice and the department's General Counsel Division. We are working to build and maintain a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment. Every employee expands our diversity through varied experiences and perspectives, and by contributing to the range of ways to understand and communicate with one another, identify challenges, and work cooperatively.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department of Justice is an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

For additional information regarding working for the Department of Justice and application assistance, click HERE.

Oregon Department of Justice

1162 Court St NE

Salem, OR 97301

doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov

Phone: (503) 947-4328

Fax: (503) 373-0367