Assistant Attorney General – Human Services

Details

Section:

State Services

Salary Range:

$83,292.00 - $120,000.00 Yearly

Apply By:

Thursday, June 15, 2023, 11:59 pm

FLSA:

Exempt

Work Unit:

Human Services

Job Location:

1300 N Broadway Denver, CO 80203 - Hybrid Work Options Available

Release Date:

Monday, June 5, 2023

Employment Type:

Full-Time

Position Type:

Non-Classified

The Human Services Unit within the State Services section is seeking an attorney to join its dynamic and collaborative legal team. The Unit advises the Colorado Department of Human Services and its various offices, including: the Office of Behavioral Health, the Office of Adult, Aging and Disability Services, the Office of Early Childhood, the Office of Economic Security, the Office of Children, Youth and Families, the Office of Community Partnerships, and the Office of Administrative Solutions. The Unit will also advise the newly created Department of Early Childhood which became operational in July 2022, as well as the newly created Behavioral Health Administration. The Unit offers the opportunity to practice in several challenging areas of law that frequently present novel legal questions. Statutes and regulations governing the Department of Human Services, the Department of Early Childhood and the Behavioral Health Administration have a substantial impact on some of Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens.

 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

In this role, you will have the opportunity to appear in the Office of Administrative Courts to defend findings of child abuse and neglect made by county human services departments, and to prosecute licensing actions against childcare providers and substance disorder treatment providers for violation of Department rules and applicable state statutes. You will also defend the Department’s decisions on judicial review in the district court and defends against civil complaints seeking non-compensatory relief. Other cases involve issues related to public benefits and child support services, care and treatment of individuals living with developmental disabilities or a mental health disorder, and juvenile justice.

We routinely provide general counsel to the Department of Human Services, Department of Early Childhood and the Behavioral Health Administration on rulemaking, legislation, and records requests and subpoenas. This work will include legal research and writing to advise the Departments on specific issues. Cases and assignments vary and may originate from any division across all Departments.

This job announcement may be used to fill other attorney vacancies at the Department of Law.

 

Salary Note: The Department of Law uses a wage progression compensation model. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.  New ranges will go into effect for employees starting after July 1, 2023.

Attorneys with less than 3 years of experience as a practicing attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General I (AAG I). The salary range for an AAG I is $83,292-$92,400/annually.
Attorneys with more than 3 years of experience practicing as an attorney will be hired as an Assistant Attorney General II (AAG II). The AAG II salary range is $96,420-$120,000/annually.

Salary will be paid on a biweekly basis for any new employees starting after July 1, 2023.

 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Human Services unit is seeking an experienced, confident, and adaptable attorney who is  passionate about public service and wants to be a part of a collaborative and supportive team. Ideal candidates to join our Unit will have enough experience with litigation that they can jump in and manage their own caseload; be able to assess problems, evaluate and determine solutions, and effectively communicate those findings; and have comfort representing clients in hearings.

At a minimum, applicants must:

• Be admitted to the Colorado bar or be clearly eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar and be in good standing at the time of application. Candidates eligible to waive into the Colorado Bar will be required to submit proof of their completed application before the first day of employment.

In addition, the best candidates will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and productively as part of a team
• Experience in at least some of the following areas of law: administrative, juvenile, child welfare, behavioral health, privacy law, and open records law
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work

Please note: Litigation experience does not need to be limited to criminal or civil, but please describe your litigation and subject matter experience in your cover letter.

The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and believes that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

 

Conditions of Employment 

• Applicants must pass a thorough background investigation prior to appointment.

The Office of the Attorney General is an equal opportunity employer and believes that a diverse work force adds quality and perspective to the services we provide to the public. Candidates with diverse qualities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

 

Please view the full job announcement for more information and to apply online.