ATTORNEY ADVISOR

The position is located in the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of General Counsel.

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) for the District of Columbia ("District” or “DC”) Department of Human Services (DHS) provides legal analysis and support to DHS to assist the Agency in advancing its mission to serve the District’s most vulnerable residents.

Services provided by DHS include an array of public benefits (such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)); administering one of the largest government funded homeless services programs in the United States, that provides a continuum of homeless services to individuals, families, and veterans (including a nationally recognized permanent supportive housing program).

Duties and Responsibilities

Serves as a senior attorney in the assigned agency, division, and/or area handling the more complex and difficult matters. Reviewing various legal documents and relevant case laws to determine whether execution or non-execution of proposed actions is in the best interest of the District of Columbia government. Provides statement of reasons and draft language necessary to obviate objections.

Examines and analyses proposed orders, legislation and other legal documents from various sources for legal sufficiency, both as to the form and substance of rulemaking decisions. Performs the aforementioned research and provides oral or written opinions resulting from such analysis.

Reviews records of hearings, including briefs filed, exceptions taken, rulings made, tentative decisions, as well as reports of findings of fact and conclusions of law. Analyzes the same and provides recommendations to supervisor as appropriate. Prepares memoranda on legal questions and proposals and drafts tentative documents of final decision for consideration by concerned administrative agencies.

Consults frequently with officials of various administrative agencies providing advice as to the extent of their legal duties and power.

Qualifications

• Must possess a LLB or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) at the time of appointment.
• Must have at least two (2) year of post J.D. professional legal experience.
• LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION Must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment.
• An appointee to the Legal Service position shall remain a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar during his/her employment in the Legal Service.
• Working Conditions/Environment The work is primarily performed in the normal office setting.
• Other Significant Facts Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA-0905-14 Promotion Potential: None Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in a collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE 1403.

Duration of Appointment

Legal Service

Position Designation: This position has been deemed Security Sensitive under the guideline of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations.

Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.

Emergency Designation

This position has been designated as Emergency. Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to:

• Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
• Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
• Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
• Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.
• Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking.

Residency Preference

When claiming residency preference, you are required and must agree in writing to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona fide Districts residency for the seven-year (7 year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Residency Requirement

If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or any other non‑merit factor.