Salary:
$60,000.00 to $68,000.00 per year commensurate with experience
How to Apply:
Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.
Minimum Requirements:
- A Law Degree from an accredited law school, an active license to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, AND two (2) years of legal experience in Pennsylvania.
Preference will be given to applicants who possess experience in governmental law and/or Human Services background, as well as experience or knowledge of HIPAA compliance.
It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Solicitor of Allegheny County or their designee, this position represents Allegheny County at Assisted Outpatient Treatment Hearings, provides legal advice and representation for involuntary/voluntary mental health hearings, and covers Title IV-D cases in Family Court.
Overview:
Duties:
- Provides legal advice and representation for involuntary/voluntary mental health hearings.
- Represents the County at Assisted Outpatient Treatment Hearings.
- Advises the Department of Human Services on various legal issues, such as Involuntary Civil Commitment Hearings and expungement/restoration of firearms hearings.
- Acts as a subject matter expert and point of contact for other County Departments and interacts with legal counsel for providers and other outside organizations.
- Provides Title IV-D legal counsel on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s interests in its children being properly supported.
- Files and responds to Superior Court appeals.
- Provides legal representation on behalf of Allegheny County and actively participates in pre-trial practice, trial litigation, and Appellate proceedings at both the State and Federal levels; provides legal advice, services, and representation to Allegheny County Departments.
- Interprets statutes and laws applicable to County Departments.
- Drafts, reviews, edits, and finalizes various legal agreements such as contracts, leases, petitions, opinion letters, and legal briefs for assigned County Departments.
- Performs other related work as required or requested.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Federal, state, and local confidentiality laws, regulations, and procedures, particularly the Mental Health Procedures Act.
- HIPAA and related regulations and procedures.
- Judicial and administrative procedures and Rules of Evidence.
Skill in:
- Microsoft Office Suite.
- Legal research platforms (Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis).
Ability to:
- Assess client situations and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Explain and apply the Mental Health Procedures Act to lay persons.
- Work with a diverse and challenging client population.
- Prepare various legal documents, e.g., pleadings, legal briefs, etc.
- Review and analyze proposed statutes, rules, and regulations.
- Develop productive working relationships with staff, attorneys, and the public.
Residency:
Allegheny County within 1 year.
Veterans' Preference:
Will be awarded to eligible candidates.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D