The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is the state agency that focuses solely on policies, programs, and services for people with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or any combination of these. As Georgia’s public safety net, DBHDD operates six field offices and five hospitals throughout the state within three program areas: behavioral health, developmental disabilities and hospital services.

The main office for DBHDD is located in downtown Atlanta.

Job Description

Job Title:  Employment Attorney

Pay Grade: M

Job Summary:

Job Description:
Provides analysis and/or recommendations on legal issues within the scope and authority of the assigned areas of responsibility with an emphasis on ADA and employment law within the scope of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).  Acts as a liaison or representative between the agency, Department of Law, Department of Administrative Services and regulatory agencies (EEOC, GCEO, etc.).

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

1. Serves as the Department’s ADA Coordinator
2. Coordinates with the Department’s Human Resources leadership (Director/Managers), Employee Relations Specialists and Legal Services leadership to review/consider ADA matters impacting employment/potential employment status
3. Offers technical assistance/consultation on matters specific to ADA and related reasonable accommodations
4. Assists with criminal history background check review and determinations
5. Coordinates with the Department’s Human Resources Employee leadership (Director/Managers), Employee Relations Specialists, and Legal Services leadership to review/consider unlawful discrimination complaints and support investigations
6. Drafting EEOC/GCEO position statements, ongoing support, and coordination on external agency review/investigation/response
7. Assist as necessary in Worker's Compensation claims processing and administration, and coordinate/support in associated hearings   
8. Assist as necessary in sexual harassment and workplace violence matters, complaints and investigations
9. Monitor and assist in addressing matters related to State Personnel Board Regulations, as well as the review, development, training, consultation and administration of HR policies, procedures and processes s needed.
10. Participates in the implementation of settlements, agreements, and/or legal judgments within approved guidelines
11. Develops, oversees, and implements administrative processes designed to maintain and monitor the legal compliance of department processes
12. Identifies and resolves, or assists in the resolution of legal issues
13. Provides analysis, answers, or recommendations regarding legal, liability and/or risk-management issues
14. Works as coordinating counsel as a client of the Department of Law
15. Provides research and analysis of legal, policy and environmental issues
16. Acts as a resource to answer questions and evaluates the status of reimbursements or recoupments
17. Reviews investigative reports and identifies areas that require further investigation
18. Other duties as assigned

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills:

1. Experience drafting policy
2. Experience in employment law, state government administration, ADA compliance; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which would provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties described in this job announcement
3. Demonstrated skill investigating, evaluating facts and circumstances of an incident, and developing a course of action necessary to resolve issues
4. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of all sensitive materials and information; promote ethical conduct and compliance across the department
5. Demonstrated exceptional customer service and the ability to collaborate with internal and external partners
6. Excellent interpersonal skills
7. Excellent oral and written communication skills including presentation and facilitation
8. Experience utilizing and analyzing data to generate reports for presentations
9. Demonstrated ability to deliver quality work independently
10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Sample Technical Competencies:

1. Knowledge of employment related statutes, court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations and departmental policy.

2. Ability to perform research and analysis.

3. Ability to draft legal instruments, contracts, proposed legislation and legal opinions.

4. Ability to analyze, appraise and organize facts and present such materials in clear and logical form for oral and written presentation.

5. Ability to determine compliance with rules and regulations

Preferred Qualifications:.  Experience with employment law, health law, developmental disabilities law or behavioral health law. Top 1/3 of graduating class, excellent writing and oral communication.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary & benefits, GA Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is part of a statewide initiative called Total Rewards that seeks to attract and retain employees by supplementing their base pay and benefits with programs designed to improve the quality of their work environment and lead to greater job satisfaction and work/life balance. Eligible employees are offered generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave. For more information, visit https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/benefits

Employment Requirements
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our employees, individuals and communities we serve, certain positions within DBHDD may require evaluations, vaccinations, professional licensure and certifications. Licenses must be current and enable providers to practice within the State of Georgia.

The following are a listing of evaluations and vaccinations that may be required for employees, including those not involved with direct care:

• Drug Screening
• TB Evaluation
• Annual Influenza*

*Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

DBHDD is an Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of DBHDD to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information on application status by phone or e-mail. All qualified applicants will be considered but may not necessarily receive an interview. Selected applicants will be contacted by the hiring agency for next steps in the selection process.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.  

When applying for this position, you will be asked if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position as stated below and may possibly be presented with additional questions to assess preferred qualifications. Preference will be given to applicants who meet one or more of the preferred qualifications and have demonstrated relevant experience clearly indicated in their work history.