Agency Legal Director

The Department of Social Services is recruiting for an Agency Legal Director in our Central Office location, Legal Services Division, Monday - Friday, 40 hour work week.

In a state agency this class is accountable for directing the legal staff of the agency and acting as legal advisor to the Commissioner, in consultation with the Attorney General's office on complex legal issues.

Directs staff and operations of the agency's legal division; coordinates, plans and manages division activities; formulates program goals and objectives; develops or assists in development of related policies; interprets and administers pertinent laws; evaluates staff; prepares or assists in preparation of division budget; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of division who might impact on program activities; in consultation with the Attorney General's office, directs the research of legal issues or researches complex legal issues relating to the agency; examines potential litigation and makes recommendations to agency Commissioner; drafts legal memoranda, legal opinion letters or declaratory rulings; participates in the drafting and review of all proposed legislation, regulations and agency policies and guidance documents; oversees the drafting and administrative review of all agency contracts and agreements; may manage all FOIA requests for the agency; conducts investigations as required; may act as agency legislative liaison; may testify before legislative committee; performs related duties are required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principals and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act; considerable knowledge of relevant agency policies and procedures; considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret relevant State and Federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of legal practices and procedures in federal courts and state venues; considerable knowledge of legislative processes; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills.

Five (5) years's experience practicing law.

1. Three (3) years of the experience must have been at the advanced working level, practicing law related to the agency's business or operations.
2. Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity. NOTE: Managerial experience is defined as formulating program goals and objectives, developing and implementing program procedures, initiating program policies and developing and/or monitoring a budget.

Candidate must have been in a role of in-house counsel or supervised staff in the Legal Division of an organization.  Candidate must have experience in human services such as Medicaid, TANF and/or SNAP.

Must be admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.