ASSOCIATE COUNSEL - HUMAN RESOURCES - 78857

Job Title Associate Counsel - Human Resources Department Department of Human Services, Office of General Counsel Field, Nashville, TN Work Environment Hybrid (in‑office attendance in Nashville required regularly; up to 10% travel statewide) Annual Salary $103,440.00 - $134,244.00 Closing Date 07/13/2026 Job Overview The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking experienced Associate Counsel in the DHS Office of General Counsel. The Associate Counsel will conduct litigation and legal research in DHS programmatic areas including adult protective services, child and adult care licensing, rehabilitation services, and other administrative areas for DHS. The Associate Counsel will provide legal advice and support to DHS staff in multiple program areas and internal support divisions. Key Responsibilities Consult with DHS staff regarding legal issues involving Human Resources and employment law matters, including FMLA, ADA, PWFA, background checks, disciplinary action and issues arising out of internal investigations. Handle limited litigation, primarily in administrative forums related to employee appeals under the TEAM act, unemployment compensation, and respond to EEOC complaints, coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office on employment litigation in state or federal court. Work directly with the Deputy General Counsel on legal writing and research projects as assigned, including research of federal and state laws, regulations and case law and preparation of memoranda advising DHS staff on issues affecting agency and program operations. Perform assigned duties in a timely and accurate manner, be self‑directed, and produce thorough professional legal work. Minimum Qualifications Active License to practice law in Tennessee is required. Preferred: 3+ years continuous legal practice, experience with contract development and negotiation for a large entity, tech/IT contracts, and contract litigation. Excellent research and writing skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Ability to work cooperatively with Department program staff in diverse areas, willing to work extra hours and days as necessary. Willingness to travel throughout the state of Tennessee on occasion. Ability to make timely and effective decisions in keeping with the goals and mission of the Department. No prior or pending disciplinary actions with the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. Additional Information For more information: Equal Employment Opportunity Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The State's policy is to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Tennessee