General Counsel I or II

Job Posting Title

General Counsel I or II

Agency

400 OFFICE OF JUVENILE AFFAIRS

Supervisory Organization

Office of Juvenile Affairs

Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)

July 23, 2024

Note : Applications will be accepted until 11 : 59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.

Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)

Full / Part-Time

Full time

Job Type

Regular

Compensation

Annual salary based on education and experience

Job Description

Location : Oklahoma City, 2501 N. Lincoln Boulevard

Salary : based on education and experience.

Work Schedule : Monday-Friday

Primary Hours : 8 : 00 am 5 : 00 pm

Position Description

Positions in this job family serve as legal counsel for the agency, board, or commission for the state of Oklahoma. Incumbents in these positions will provide legal guidance, support, and assistance to the executive director, senior-level staff, and the organization and oversee a wide range of legal issues ranging from real estate, tax, transactions / anti-trust, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, employment / labor, ethics, litigation, contract and contract negotiations, and other agency-related legal matters.

Positions in this job family assist in managing and supervising the agency’s legal department.

Duties :

• Responsible for the administration and completion of activities and functions of the agency’s legal department
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to identify and mitigate legal risks
• Provides legal guidance and counsel to the Executive Director, other senior-level executive staff, and others in matters of agency programs, operational and administrative programs and processes, as needed
• Answers questions concerning agency policies, programs and reports
• Assists director with the implementation and administration of program changes in state and federal regulations
• Oversees external legal counsel and represents the organization in legal proceedings when necessary
• Drafts and reviews legal documents, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• Prepares administrative reports detailing departments performance status.

Other Duties :

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to demanding and changing timelines
• Ability to maintain a high degree of discretion, integrity, and sensitivity to confidentiality and privacy
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment while building strong relationships with all levels of staff and effectively collaborating, communicating, respecting, and assisting peers

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Level Descriptor :

This position serves as the agency’s legal counsel for an agency, board, or commission that is limited in size, scope, and complexity.

This is a leadership level for an agency’s Legal department where incumbents are at a senior manager or director level. The incumbent will have responsibility for the direction and supervision of legal matters, legal staff, managers, supervisors and / or individual contributors within the department.

This position has responsibility and oversight of administrative management responsibilities, such as budget, human resources, and / or other administrative management functions, programs, or operations.

The position is responsible for the oversight of the planning, distribution, and reviews of subordinate tasks, as needed, as well as performance evaluations, training, and time off approvals.

Position is provided with some technical and administrative freedom to plan, develop, and organize all phases of work necessary for completion within broad program guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications :

Level I : Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a Juris Doctor degree plus ten (10) years of experience as a practicing attorney, including three (3) years as a managing attorney or equivalent and two (2) years as supervising attorney or equivalent, and an active membership of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Note : No substitution will be allowed for the three (3) years as a managing attorney or equivalent or two (2) years of experience as supervising attorney or equivalent.

Level II : Education and Experience at this level consists of a Juris Doctor degree plus 11 years of experience as a practicing attorney, including four (4) years as a managing attorney or equivalent and two (2) years as a supervising attorney or equivalent, and an active membership of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Note : No substitution will be allowed for the four (4) years of experience as a managing attorney or equivalent or two (2) years as a supervising attorney or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies :

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of applicable state and federal statutes and regulations relating to the agency’s operations;
• the Oklahoma Constitution; constitutional law; trial and administrative hearing procedures; investigatory procedures; conducting legal research;
• and supervisory practices and principles. Skills required at this level include skill in performing in a fast-paced environment;
• drafting valid legal documents; applying legal concepts, precedents, and laws to agency legal matters; managing a diverse department of legal issues, staff, and clients effectively to meet agency needs;
• and to effectively negotiate. Abilities required at this level include ability to conduct legal research; read and understand complex legal data from a variety of sources;
• write valid legal documents providing sufficient detail as required; apply critical thinking to issues both complex and basic to make sound decisions;
• communicate all legal issues from simple to complex in an effective and persuasive manner in written and verbal form; prioritize work of the legal department to meet required deadlines;

and effectively manage legal staff to ensure cohesive work environment.

Application Requirements :

• If education, certification, or licensure is required to meet qualifications, applicants must provide documentation at the time of application.
• All applicants are subject to a background check and must be legally authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands and Work Environment :

This position is computer based and set in an office environment. While performing the duties of the job, employees are frequently required to stand, walk, lift, and reach.

Applicants must be willing to perform all job-related travel associated with this position.

Telework : Not all positions will be eligible for telework. This position’s telework availability is subject to OJA policy and supervisor’s discretion.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday .