Special Counsel

The Division of Legal Services (DLS) is looking for a Special Counsel to join our team in theDivision of Finance and Administrative Services Unit, located in Cole County.

Job Posting Number: 4131 8869012

Semi-monthly salary: $ 3,232.81 - $ 3,972.93

Annual salary: $77,587.50 - $ 95,350.41

Job Location: Broadway State Office Building, 221 W High St, Jefferson City, MO

Why you’ll love this position: The Department of Social Services (DSS) partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy, and productive lives. DLS supports the legal needs of the Department, and attorneys within the division enjoy a diverse practice within multiple areas of the law, including state rulemaking, and federal regulatory interpretation, compliance, and advocacy.

• What you’ll do: As Special Counsel, you will work directly with the Division of Finance and Administrative Services Director and Deputy Division Director on special assignments, including a host of legal services, involving the department, and often collaborating across divisions to give consistent and sound legal advice allowing them to operate their programs within the parameters of federal and state laws and regulations . This position will be responsible for providing timely and accurate legal advice and opinions, written and verbal, to departmental and divisional leadership to identify issues, prevent and mitigate risk, proactively navigate legal obstacles and respond to agency exposure. This position will draft, review and revise contracts, memorandums of understanding, and requests for proposals (purchasing) to ensure legal sufficiency.
  
  You must be well-organized, able to perform case analyses, spot issues, and be proficient with time management.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications: A Juris Doctor from an accredited institution and member of The Missouri Bar. Five or more years’ experience practicing as a licensed attorney. Experience in litigation and a background in juvenile, public benefit, family, and/or administrative law are preferred but not required. Excellent research and writing skills are required.

Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional license which is only available to holders of specific post-secondary degrees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with federal, state and/or Internal Revenue Services audits or requests for information.
• Ability to review, analyze, and/or interpret federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as related to the assigned programs.
• Previous work experience with the Department of Social Services, or at a related agency in state or federal government.
• Ability to handle sensitive and complex legal and personnel issues with professionalism and integrity.
• Previous experience as in-house counsel or a similar general counsel role.
• Understanding of data management.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload with efficiency and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in varied settings and adapt as necessary.
• Collaborative spirit to work effectively with support staff and legal team members.
• Openness to continuous learning and participation in training programs.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience at an executive level in a large agency. Strong leadership and decision-making skills are critical to success in this position. Candidates should have a commitment to collaborative working relationships.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

If you have questions about this position, please contact: Courtney Stalter at Courtney.Stalter@dss.mo.gov

If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-751-4244.

Recruitment Area: All qualified applicants.

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• State of Missouri

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