Assistant County Solicitor - Mental Health

Position Summary

Provides legal advice and representation for involuntary/voluntary mental health hearings.

Prepares and presents guardianship petitions.

Represents the County at DHS Bureau of Hearings and Appeals hearings.

Advise Department of Human Services on various legal issues - Involuntary Civil Commitment Hearings and expungement/restoration of firearms hearings.

Act as a subject matter expert and point of contact for other County Departments and interact with legal counsel for providers and other outside organizations.

Participate in petition for review hearings in Orphans’ Court.

File guardianship petitions in Orphans’ Court on behalf of various County Departments.

File/respond to Superior Court appeals.

Performs other related work as required or requested.

Duties

• Provides legal advice and representation for involuntary/voluntary mental health hearings.
• Prepares and presents guardianship petitions.
• Represents the County at DHS Bureau of Hearings and Appeals hearings.
• Advise Department of Human Services on various legal issues - Involuntary Civil Commitment Hearings and expungement/restoration of firearms hearings.
• Act as a subject matter expert and point of contact for other County Departments and interact with legal counsel for providers and other outside organizations.
• Participate in petition for review hearings in Orphans’ Court.
• File guardianship petitions in Orphans’ Court on behalf of various County Departments.
• File/respond to Superior Court appeals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
• Federal, state and local confidentiality laws, regulations and procedures; particularly Mental Health Procedures Act.
• HIPAA and related regulations and procedures.
• Judicial and administrative procedures and Rules of Evidence.
• Skill in:
• Microsoft Office Products.
• Ability to:
• Assess client situations and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Explain and apply 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 with increased attention to detail.
• Develop productive working relationships with staff, attorneys, and the public.

Minimum Requirements

• A Law Degree from an accredited law school, an active license to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, AND minimum of two (2) years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• 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.

Residency

Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference

Will be awarded to eligible candidates.