Staff Attorney

Job Responsibilities

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

MISSION:

It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the direction of General Counsel, the Senior Staff Attorney assists in representing the Department. This position primarily supports the Department by providing training, legal assistance, advice and guidance on legal and policy questions to its employees. Also assists outside stakeholders (court personnel/sister agencies) with questions regarding DJJ, coordinates with outside counsel on litigation matters, provides legal advice to managers related to employment actions, represents the agency in employment related claims before administrative tribunals, assists in responding to records requests/FOIA, reviews agency policies for compliance with state/federal law, and oversees compliance with state law regarding expungement of juvenile records.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports DJJ employees by providing legal advice and guidance on legal and policy questions.

• Responds to questions from Judges, Solicitors, Defense Counsel, and stakeholders regarding the juvenile system and DJJ.

• Conducts training on legal issues for DJJ employees and others.

• Oversees the Staff Attorney in coordinating the agency's compliance with state law regarding expungement of juvenile record.

• Consults with and provides legal advice to DJJ Senior Managers and Executive Staff regarding actions issued pursuant to DJJ's Employee Progressive Discipline, EPMS and Employee Grievance policies, to include representing DJJ before administrative bodies (State HRD) when such actions are grieved/appealed.

• Represents DJJ on agency related matters before courts and administrative tribunals, to include DEW and SHAC/EEOC.

• Serves as the lead agency attorney in coordinating with outside counsel on lawsuits filed against the Department, to include document production and witness preparation.

• Assists in coordinating the agency's response to FOIA requests. Responds to records requests from attorneys, including those related to potential legal claims against the Department.

• Assists with the review of department policy and procedures to ensure consistency with federal and state laws and regulations.

• Evaluates potential federal and state legislation for the potential effects of the proposed legislation on DJJ.

• Assists in the development of proposed statutory language implementing the agency's legislative agenda.

• Assists General Counsel in training new Staff Attorney and helping to orient new Staff Attorney to SCDJJ personnel and operations.

• Organizes, conducts, and assists with special assignments and projects as directed. Other related job duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in employment law from a state agency perspective or juvenile justice law/practice in SC.

• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations and of general cast, statutory and common laws.

• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance.

• Ability to interpret and apply laws in court decision, analyze facts, and express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically.

• Effective verbal, written and analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Pro.

• General supervision, work reviewed through annually scheduled evaluations.

• Employee must be able to work independently.

• Employee may have direct and indirect contact with juvenile residents and must be able to converse with diverse staff on a multitude of topics.

• Limited travel, including overnight travel, may be required.

• This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youths within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The employee may have direct and direct contact with youths within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires a juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and at least five years legal experience. The candidate must also be member of the South Carolina Bar.

Additional Comments

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

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Health, dental, and life insurance

• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year

• 15 days of sick leave per year

• 13 paid holidays

• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs

• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Applications are incomplete if you fail to answer all supplemental questions, education, and work history. Incomplete applications are not referred to hiring managers. Applications are accepted until 5:00 p.m. on the stated closing date.

You will be asked to provide a certified transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted that may include but is not limited to, criminal records, driver's license, and child abuse registry prior to an offer of employment. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Please provide an explanation for any gaps in employment. A resume may be attached to your application but not substituted for completing the work history section of the application.