ASSOCIATE COUNSEL

Executive Service

ASSOCIATE COUNSEL

Department of Human Services

Office of General Counsel Field

Nashville, TN

Salary: $103,440 - $134,244

Closing Date: 06/15/2026

This is a hybrid position

For more information, visit the link below:

Background Check:

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Who we are and what we do:

DHS Mission: Strengthen Tennessee by Strengthening Tennesseans DHS Vision: To revolutionize the customer experience by growing capacity to reduce dependency. DHS Values: High Performance Collaboration Continuous Improvement A shared Vision Customer-Centered Solution

How you make a difference in this role:

The Office of General Counsel provides legal advice to all DHS programs, representation in judicial and administrative litigation affecting the department, prepares departmental rules, and prepares legislation for and analysis of legislation affecting the Department.

Job Overview:

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) is currently seeking experienced candidates for Associate Counsel in the DHS Office of General Counsel. The Associate Counsel will be responsible for conducting 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 be responsible providing legal advice and support to DHS staff in multiple program areas and internal support divisions. This position is currently designated AWS- Alternative Workplace Solutions- on a hybrid basis. Some in-office attendance in Nashville will be required on a regular basis. Up to 10% travel statewide expected.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Associate Counsel will represent DHS in litigation throughout the state in cases related to child and adult care licensing, adult protective services, vocational rehabilitation and other legal issues as assigned. This position is responsible for litigation in court and in administrative forums.
• The Associate Counsel will be responsible for consulting with program staff regarding legal issues involving childcare licensing, adult protective services, and handling legal issues involving DHS as they arise.
• The Associate Counsel will be responsible for working directly with the Senior Associate Counsel on legal writing and research projects as assigned. The position requires legal research of federal and state laws, regulations and case law in multiple issues and preparation of memoranda advising DHS staff on issues affecting program operations.
• The Associate Counsel will need to possess the ability to perform assigned duties in a timely and accurate manner, be self-directed, and to produce accurate and thorough professional work.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must Active License to practice law in Tennessee is required.

Preferred Skills:

• 3+ years of relevant legal experience. Strong litigation experience.
• Excellent research and writing skills. Proficient in use of Microsoft Office products. Candidate must be able to work cooperatively with Department program staff in diverse areas and must willing to work extra hours and days as necessary.
• Candidate must be willing 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.

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. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.