Deputy Legal Counsel

Job Description

Deputy Legal Counsel (260005B5) – Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

Location: Columbus, OH. Full‑time, exempt from union. Compensation: $43.09 per hour.

Agency Overview

At the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, we have the unique mission of empowering veterans & their families to thrive, through commitment, compassion, & community.

Responsibilities

• Reports directly to the Chief Legal Counsel and provides legal advice & consultation to the Director & agency personnel on contracts, labor/personnel matters, fiscal issues, policy and procedure management, regulatory compliance, administrative investigations, rulemaking, veteran benefit oversight, and more.
• Reviews & maintains a working knowledge of all legislation, case law, rules, and federal/state guidance that apply to DVS and OVH.
• Acts as legal counsel to OVH, providing guidance to DVS personnel, aiding in the creation, implementation, and oversight of OVH policies and procedures, and conducts relevant legal trainings for DVS and OVH personnel.
• Acts as liaison between OVH and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in matters where the AGO represents OVH and addresses ethics matters; duties include traveling to each OVH as directed.
• Plans, directs & coordinates legal programs & supervises records‑management staff as assigned.
• Conducts legal research, prepares briefs, contracts, leases, orders & other legal documents; reviews complaints for potential legal violations; oversees preparation & review of all division/agency legal documents.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Starting hourly pay: $43.09.
• Medical coverage: begins the first of the month following start date.
• Generous benefits package including vacation, sick, holiday, and personal leave.
• Retirement/pension, deferred compensation, credit union benefits available.
• Other benefits: medical coverage, free dental/vision/basic life insurance premiums after eligibility period, paid time off, parental leave (childbirth, adoption, foster care), education and development opportunities, public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS), and optional deferred compensation.

Qualifications

Admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code; 18 months experience as a licensed attorney; 6 months experience in supervisory principles/techniques.

Job Skills: Attorney/Legal.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Ohio Department of Veterans Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or military status in employment or the provision of services. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the interview process may contact Human Resources.

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug‑Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug‑free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non‑medical cannabis). The position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy (HR‑39).