Attorney III

State of South Carolina

Lexington, SC

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$79,600–$90,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Attorney, Background Investigation, Best Practices, Child and Youth Services, Community and Social Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Driver's License, Federal Laws and Regulations, Health Insurance, Human Resources, Legal, Legal Research, Performance Reviews, Research Skills, Retirement Plan, Social Work, State Laws and Regulations, Vehicle Driving
LOCATION
Lexington, SC
POSTED
5 days ago

Attorney III

Salary

$79,600.00 - $90,000.00 Annually

Location

Lexington County, SC

Job Type

FTE - Full-Time

Job Number

189074

Agency

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Division

Central Office

Opening Date

06/03/2026

Closing Date

6/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Class Code:

AE30

Position Number:

60010847

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)

Pay Grade

GEN12

Opening Date

06/03/2026

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education using verifiable dates.

Veteran Preference Statement

South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Job Responsibilities

Stop counting minutes and start making an impact. Join the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) for a legal career with zero billable hours and work that serves the public good. Trade the grind for a mission.

This position functions as an Assistant General Counsel for BHDD:

  • Provides legal advice and assistance to agency personnel on complex legal matters. Assists the General Counsel in preparing and issuing legal opinions to key BHDD staff.
  • Reviews employee grievance appeals and discrimination complaints. Represents BHDD in employee mediations and in grievance appeals. Assists the Human Resources Department with personnel matters, investigations, and unemployment hearings.
  • Represents BHDD in Family Court and Probate Court in Judicial Admission proceedings. Prepares orders and other court documents related to court proceedings
  • Conducts legal research and advises key BHDD staff on whether BHDD directives and policies comply with State and Federal laws. Provides recommendations for updating BHDD directives and polices based on State and Federal laws, Legislative Audit Council (LAC) recommendations, and best practices.
  • Process Freedom of Information Act requests as well as Records Requests for the agency.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned.

This position is located at the BHDD Central Office, located in Cayce, SC.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

  • A juris doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school
  • A member, in good standing, with the South Carolina Bar.
  • Completion of Rule 403 requirements
  • At least five (5) years of experience as a practicing attorney

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with South Carolina State Courts, Family Courts, and/or Probate Courts. Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. Knowledge of agency policies, standards, and procedures. Ability to Interpret and apply policies, laws, and judicial decisions. Ability to establish priorities. Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Some familiarity with Roberts Rules of Procedure. Knowledge and experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Workers Compensation Act; and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Additional Comments

Employment Contingency: Employment is contingent upon our receipt of the following required pre-employment screenings: medical screening - to include a drug screening; background record checks (to include fingerprinting), South Carolina Department of Social Services' Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry screening, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General "List of Excluded Individuals/Entities" screening; South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Driving Record check; and a review of transcripts verifying educational credentials. We reserve the right to rescind an offer of employment in the event minimum requirements are not met to include positions that require certifications and/or licensure, your application is incomplete or inaccurate, or our review of your background uncovers information, including opinions of previous employers and references, which cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.

State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the States Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, employees of The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.

Supplemental Questions: Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

  • Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
  • 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
  • 15 days sick leave per year
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
  • Retirement benefit choices*
  • State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
  • State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)

Benefits for State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

01

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted or reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. I have read and acknowledge the above statement.

  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you currently possess a Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school?

  • Yes
  • No

03

Are you a member, in good standing, of the South Carolina Bar?

  • Yes
  • No

04

Have you successfully completed your Rule 403 requirements?

  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you possess at least five (5) years experience as a practicing attorney?

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer State of South Carolina

Agency Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Address 400 Otarre Parkway

Cayce, South Carolina, 29033

Phone OIDD - (803)898-9600

OMH - (803) 898-8600

The language used in this document does not create an employment contract between the employee and the agency. This document does not create any contractual rights or entitlements. The agency reserves the right to revise the content of this document, in whole or in part. No promises or assurances, whether written or oral, which are contrary to or inconsistent with the terms of this paragraph create any contract of employment.

About the Company

S

State of South Carolina