Attorney

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH), is seeking a highly skilled and experienced attorney to serve as General Counsel . This position provides legal leadership, strategic guidance, and expert counsel to BBH's executive leadership, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws while supporting the bureau's mission of promoting mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and developmental disability services across the state. This position also provides legal assistance and support to the DoHS Office of General Counsel and the Cabinet Secretary as needed.

The General Counsel BBH will oversee legal and compliance matters, manage risk, and serve as the primary liaison with DoHS's Office of General Counsel, state agencies, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to the Commissioner, senior leadership, and staff on a wide range of issues affecting BBH programs and operations, as well as DoHS and the Cabinet Secretary's Office operations.
• Draft, review, and interpret contracts, agreements, policies, proposed legislative changes, and memoranda of understanding.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and applicable behavioral health laws.
• Represent BBH in administrative proceedings and coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General in litigation matters.
• Advise on legislative and regulatory developments impacting behavioral health services.
• Oversee responses to subpoenas, public records requests, and legal inquiries.
• Develop training and resources to promote compliance and risk management across the bureau.
• Supervise and direct legal staff or outside counsel as needed.

Qualifications

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