Associate Legal Counsel

Associate Legal Counsel

Organization: Department of Children and Youth

Work Location: Children&Youth N. High Complex 246 North High Street Columbus 43215

Primary Location: United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus Compensation: Pay Range 15 -- Commensurate with experience

Schedule: Full-time Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Classified Indicator: Unclassified Union: Exempt from Union

Agency Overview: Our mission is to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs. At DCY, we offer our employees a rewarding work experience in public service helping Ohioans achieve a sustainable lifestyle that includes generous benefit options and a flexible work life balance making our agency a great place to work! To learn more about DCY, please visit our website at Department of Children and Youth | Ohio.gov. Location Requirements DCY's core hours of operation are Mon-Fri from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across DCY divisions. Employees may begin as early as 7:00am & as late as 9:00am, based on supervisory approval. This position performs work on-site daily at DCY's office space. If you have applied or interviewed for this position within the last 30 days you DO NOT need to reapply you are still in consideration for this opportunity.

Job Description

In this role, you serve as a legal and administrative leader for DCY's contracting and procurement work, with a focus on mitigating legal risks and maintaining legal compliance. Your day-to-day responsibilities involve planning, directing, and coordinating a wide range of technical and non-technical procurement and contracting activities. These activities often have legal impacts that reach beyond DCY to other state agencies, local jurisdictions, and private-sector partners. A typical day may include drafting, reviewing, and managing procurement-related contracts and documents; conducting legal research; assisting with public records requests; coordinating with DCY Legal and Legislative teams on matters affecting the agency; acting as a key collaborator with other state agencies and outside entities; and working with the Attorney General's Office on cases or matters affecting DCY. You work closely with program offices to determine the correct type of agreements based on funding sources, service needs, and legal requirements. You also play a major role in staff development related to contracting—helping create training materials, presenting at annual agreement manager training sessions, and ensuring staff understand new requirements or changes. Supervision is a significant part of the position. You assign work, set expectations, evaluate performance, and coach staff. You also have input in hiring decisions and handle leave approvals, disciplinary recommendations, and regular team meetings. On the external side, you frequently negotiate alternative terms directly with vendors or legal representatives from other agencies. You prepare performance-based reports on the agency's contracting program and recommend policy or procedural adjustments to improve efficiency or compliance. You also prepare formal correspondence for senior leadership.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Provide legal interpretation, guidance, and counsel to DCY leadership and program staff on matters affecting agency operations and assigned program areas. Serve as DCY's legal liaison with the Ohio Attorney General's Office and other outside entities. Represent DCY in legal proceedings, hearings, and related processes. Research and draft legal opinions, orders, memoranda, and other documents related to assigned program areas. Analyze, interpret, draft, and review legislation, administrative rules, rule packages, agreements, and memoranda of understanding. Analyze, draft, and edit Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Grant Applications (RFGAs), and other procurement documents. Collaborate with DCY staff to retrieve responsive records for public records requests, review/draft legal responses, and ensure timely replies. Provide training and guidance to internal staff, including leadership, management, and lower-level attorneys. Respond to legal inquiries from the public and government officials. Represent DCY at meetings, conferences, trainings, and seminars. Participate in quality improvement efforts and contribute to general departmental operations. Prepare correspondence, reports, and other documents; maintain logs, records, and files. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions and Requirements: Travel required, as needed. Must provide own transportation, or possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle Pay Information Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be step 1 of the salary range associated with this position. New hires advance to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Based on collective bargaining and legislative activity, there may be cost of living increases awarded annually. Additional longevity supplements begin after 5 years. The current wage progression for this position is in the table below. Months of Employment At Hire 6 months 18 months 30 months 42 months 54 Months 66 Months 78 Months Pay Range Exempt/ 15 Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Hourly $44.38 $46.88 $49.52 $52.24 $55.15 $58.16 $60.55 $63.41 Annual $92,310 $97,510 $103,002 $108,659 $114,712 $120,973 $125,944 $131,893 Background Check Information The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

Why Work for the State of Ohio At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes: Medical Coverage Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more) Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) & Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation ) *Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code. Job Skills: Attorney/Legal Supplemental Information The Ohio Department of Children and Youth does not provide employment-based visa sponsorship. All answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the work experience/education provided on your civil service application. Attachments will not be considered as part of your application. Selection devices such as a structured interview, proficiency instrument, and/or assessment may be required for this position. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency with a passing score of applicable selection device to be considered for this position. Regardless of a passing or failing score, all results will be maintained for 6 months. Applicant with a passing score will be retained and utilized for a 6-month period. Applicant with a failing score in the same position may not re-take the same selection device for a 6-month period. Travel required, as needed. Must provide own transportation or in order to operate a state vehicle, you must have a valid driver's license. 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). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.