Executive Service
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL - CONTRACTS
Department of Human Services
Office of Gen Counsel Field
Nashville, TN
Annual Salary: $103,440.00 - $134,244.00
Closing Date: 07/13/2026
This is a hybrid position
For more information, visit the link below:
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 Solutions
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:
This position is responsible for the review of all procurement documents, contracts and/or agreements for legal sufficiency and consistency with State contract language and provides advice regarding compliance and applicable legal and regulatory requirements to procurement staff and DHS staff who manage a diverse range of programs to ensure that proposed contracts/agreements provide clear, enforceable requirements to enable proper contract and program management.
The Associate Counsel communicates with counsel for contractors/vendors as needed for negotiation and works to appropriately resolve issues affecting Department contracts.
The Associate Counsel works with the DHS Office of Procurement and other DHS Contracts attorneys on issues related to multiple DHS programs, and in consultation with DHS Executive staff, DHS Procurement staff, the State of Tennessee Central Procurement Office, Comptroller of Treasury staff, Department of Finance and Administration, the Tennessee General Assembly Fiscal Review Committee and/or other Tennessee agencies or federal partners as needed.
The Associate Counsel is responsible for general procurement/contract matters as assigned, working directly with the Deputy General Counsel on other projects as assigned, and may be responsible for limited litigation, primarily in administrative forums.
The position requires legal research of federal and state laws, regulations and case law on multiple issues and preparation of memoranda advising DHS staff on issues affecting program operations.
The Associate Counsel must demonstrate 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:
Preferred Skills:
3+ years of continuous legal practice, preferably with experience in developing and negotiating contracts for a large entity, tech/IT contracts and in contract litigation.
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.