General Counsel

Overview

The Vermont Department of Human Resources (DHR), is responsible for providing the full range of human resources services to agencies and departments of the Executive Branch, and approximately 10,000 employees. The DHR General Counsel (GC) leads the DHR Legal/Investigations Division, which consists of three attorneys, one paralegal, and six investigators engaged in ensuring the Executive Branch properly manages the workforce in compliance with State and Federal laws and four collective bargaining agreements.

The General Counsel provides legal advice and guidance to the DHR Commissioner and staff, and to leaders across State government on all employment-related matters including but not limited to disciplinary actions, investigations, ethics, employee performance, equal employment opportunity, benefits, recruitment, classification, and labor relations. The GC also provides advice to DHR staff on records management, requests for information (such as public records act requests, requests for information from the Vermont State Employees Association (VSEA), the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the Attorney General’s Office), and advises on large, complex contracts involving health insurance and technology resources.

Additionally, the position develops and coordinates statewide personnel policies, drafts and analyzes legislation, regulations and Executive Orders, and testifies before the legislature as a subject matter expert. They assist the Attorney General’s Office in all phases of employment-related litigation and administrative actions such as claims before the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB), and the Vermont State Courts.

Please include a cover letter, current resume, and a sample of your legal writing as part of your application materials.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary and benefits will be based upon qualifications and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan.

This position,
General Counsel (Job Requisition #54187), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Commissioner Beth Fastiggi tiggi.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

The successful candidate must be a member in good standing of the Vermont bar or be eligible to obtain admission by waiver.

Candidates should have at least five years of relevant legal experience, including employment and labor law experience.

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status.

The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.