The Agency of Human Services (AHS) is seeking a qualified attorney to join its legal team as Deputy General Counsel for the Central Office (CO).

AHS serves as the umbrella organization for all human services activities within the state government. AHS-CO is responsible for strategically leading the Agency and its departments in establishing and implementing agency-wide and government-wide policies and practices. AHS-CO oversees six departments, each with a distinct area of focus and responsibility- Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL); Department of Children and Families (DCF); Department of Corrections (DOC); Department of Mental Health (DMH); Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA); and Vermont Department of Health (VDH). As a whole, AHS creates and sustains a system of human services support to protect and support vulnerable Vermonters.

We are looking for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys maintaining a diverse workload. The chosen candidate will work closely with a collegial team of attorneys in AHS-CO, as well as the teams of attorneys situated within each of AHS's six departments. Job duties for this position include providing legal advice on complex state and federal laws and regulations, contract and grant negotiations, overseeing litigation, analyzing pending legislation, and completing other short- and long-term legal projects, as assigned. This position will report to the AHS General Counsel.

Preferred candidates will have broad legal experience and a demonstrated commitment to human services. This position is hybrid, in-office and remote.

Minimum:

Admission to the Vermont Bar or eligibility for admission by waiver, and a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible legal experience.

About State of Vermont Agency of Human Services

The Agency of Human Services strives to improve the health and well-being of Vermonters today and tomorrow and to protect those among us who are unable to protect themselves. The Agency of Human Services (AHS) was created by the Vermont Legislature in 1969 to serve as the umbrella organization for all human service activities within state government. The Agency is currently led by Secretary Jenney Samuelson. The Secretary’s Office (or Central Office) is responsible for strategically leading the Agency and its departments in establishing and implementing agency-wide and government-wide policies and practices. The scope of AHS is profound. Through its six departments, twelve district offices, and a network of community partners and providers, it is responsible for implementing and delivering all human service programs within the state. Each department has a distinct area of focus and responsibility and contributes to creating and sustaining an entire system of human service support. As a single entity, the Agency builds a continuum of care that protects and supports vulnerable Vermonters, develops and promotes whole population approaches to physical and behavioral health, and wo...rks to build safety and resilience at the individual, family, and community levels. AHS services are delivered throughout the state of Vermont by a dedicated cadre of state staff and through an extensive network of community partners and private, non-profit agencies. Among this network are the designated and specialized service agencies dedicated to providing mental health and disability services to both children and adults, specialized substance use treatment facilities, parent and child centers, community action agencies, area agencies on aging, schools, and private residential facilities.

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Connections working at State of Vermont Agency of Human Services