Attorney IV - Forensics (Central Office)

Job Responsibilities

Provide legal advice and assistance to the agencies Adult Forensic Programs, to include court appearances, and to present BHDD Forensic Program discharge recommendations in General Sessions.

Serve as the Chair of the Forensic Discharge Review Board and Member of the Administrative Forensic Review Board (FRB).

Advise agency regarding Forensic Inpatient and Forensic Evaluation Services programs waiting lists and assist in monitoring wait lists for both programs.

Aid in negotiation discharge for patients with pending charges with Solicitors and related parties.

Crosstrain Office of General Counsel (OGC) attorneys to represent the Department in Forensic hearings and FRB sessions.

Provide assistance and guidance on court testimony and judicial process for the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program.

Serve as lead attorney liaison for Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program.

Supervise Legal Clerks and/ or Legal Interns.

Hire law clerks.

Serve as liaison between agency OGC and University of South Carolina's Law Career Center.

Review work of clerk/intern, including estate claim filings and office-wide legal research.

Respond to questions of a legal nature from agency staff, public officials, courts, attorneys, public agencies, medical providers, and the public about agency operations, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and applicable law and policies.

Work with the Division of Financial Services and Procurement on all contract related matters.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney.
• A member and in good standing with the South Carolina Bar and completion of the 403 requirements.
• At least ten (10) years of experience as an attorney.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to attend meetings or conduct trainings outside of usual business hours.
• Ability to travel within South Carolina. Frequent in-state travel will be necessary.
• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children.
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation).
• Retirement benefit choices: State Retirement Plan (SCRS), State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP), and Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.