Assistant General Counsel - West Virginia Department of Health

About the Agency

The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is committed to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of all West Virginians. Our work is guided by a mission to deliver comprehensive and accessible health services through innovation, efficiency, and a dedicated workforce. The Office of General Counsel plays a vital role in providing legal support and guidance to ensure agency compliance with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and policies.

Position Overview

The Assistant General Counsel provides high-level legal support to the West Virginia Department of Health. This position works under the supervision of the General Counsel and collaborates with agency leadership, program directors, and external stakeholders on a wide range of legal matters affecting the Department.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, detail-oriented attorney with a strong understanding of administrative law, public health law, government contracting, and employment law, as well as exceptional legal research and writing skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel and guidance on matters involving public health law, administrative proceedings, rulemaking, procurement, HIPAA/privacy compliance, and intergovernmental relations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, and data sharing agreements.
• Support litigation efforts, including coordinating with outside counsel, reviewing pleadings, and preparing agency witnesses.
• Assist with responding to subpoenas, FOIA requests, and other legal inquiries.
• Review and interpret state and federal laws, court decisions, and administrative regulations impacting agency operations.
• Represent the Department in administrative hearings and other proceedings, as assigned.
• Participate in the development of agency policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance.
• Provide legal training and advice to agency personnel on relevant legal issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing to practice law in the State of West Virginia or eligible for admission by reciprocity.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience practicing law, with preference given to experience in public sector, health law, administrative law, or regulatory compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with state or federal government legal work.
• Familiarity with HIPAA, FERPA, and other privacy-related statutes.
• Strong legal research, analysis, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse workload with competing deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• May require occasional travel within the state.

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining relevant qualifications and interest in the position
• Resume or CV
• Three professional references