Assistant General Counsel

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged.

We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

The Assistant General Counsel works under the supervision of the Deputy General Counsel and works closely with all divisions of the agency (e.g., quality, financial assistance access, workforce development, administration and finance and licensing) to facilitate the general business activity of the agency and ensure compliance with governing laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. The incumbent performs legal work, as assigned, on issues regarding the licensing and regulation of child care facilities, including residential programs for children, and adoption and foster care placement agencies.

The Assistant General Counsel assists the Deputy General Counsel in researching, drafting and implementing agency policy, procedures and regulations. They provide legal support to the agency in purchasing and administering subsidized child care through contract and grant drafting, interpretation and enforcement. They represent the agency in both internal and external meetings and administrative hearings and other hearings, including licensing and contract enforcement hearings in superior court.

They provide labor management and negotiation support, as assigned, and provide information to the public on agency regulations, functions, and public documents. This position may assist in supervising legal interns and provides supervisory, legal and other support to help the agency process over 90,000 background record checks of licensed providers per year.

Key Responsibilities:

Researches and drafts regulations, policies and procedures for implementation

Confers with and advises the General Counsel and other senior staff members

Drafts child care administrative, legal and policy documents

Performs legal related duties such as issuing correspondence and reports

Consults with other legal counsel and state agency officials

Represents the agency in court or at administrative hearings; determines legal strategy to be used; evaluates, negotiates, and, where appropriate, settles, mediates or litigates issues as they arise

Advises licensing program staff on legal matters relevant to licensing of child care facilities; conducts legal research and drafts opinions on matters relating to agency functions and laws within the jurisdiction of the agency

Drafts, interprets and enforces contracts, related laws and policies pertaining to the procurement and administration of subsidized child care

Interprets laws, court decisions and opinions, rules and regulations applicable to the agency; drafts opinions thereon; advises agency employees of legal procedures involved in their operations; ensures that agency activities comply with applicable laws

Drafts proposed legislation and regulations; studies and interprets the effects of legislation on agency functions; drafts testimony and other materials for presentation at legislative hearings as assigned

Provides information and determines what agency documents to release in response to public records requests

Provides legal support to the agency's Background Record Check unit

Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications:

Exceptional ability to communicate well both orally and in writing

Knowledge of the procedures followed in administrative law hearing conferences and courtroom proceedings

Ability to independently try court cases and to conduct hearings

Knowledge of legal research methods and procedure

Knowledge of state and federal laws

Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of law.

Excellent interpersonal skills,…