Job Description

The Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Health and Adult Services Unit manages a dynamic team of trial attorneys, legal assistants and administrative support staff, that provide legal representation for the Department of Public Health, the Department of Behavioral Health/Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS), and the Office of Homeless Services.

Essential Functions

• Managing the unit and supervising direct reports
• Advising City officials including Commissioners and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and Philadelphia law
• Establishing a standard of excellence and accessibility in the provision of legal services
• Meeting regularly with __ Commissioners and other City management staff to ensure that legal services are meeting client needs.
• Communicating with all Unit staff on a regular basis and maintaining an open door for staff concerns
• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity
• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and process which govern the divisions the unit represents with a particular focus on the confidentiality of the documents produced by each division.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of managers, attorneys and support staff.
• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand.
• Ability to independently manage a large volume of complex policy and first impression matters.
• Ability to train and mentor staff.
• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions.
• Excellent judgment and critical thinking
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.

Work-Life

The Law Department supports a robust work-life balance. Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days. The in-office requirement is 15 hours per week – essentially two days – or as otherwise needed, based on business needs, such as in-person hearings or client meetings. Staff can opt to come into the office each day if desired. This position will be located at the Philadelphia International Airport.

Qualifications

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of legal experience and familiarity with Public Health, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability, Disease Control and Prevention, Drug and Alcohol, and Homeless Services law and regulations as well as previous supervisory experience.
• Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or eligible to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar within six (6) months.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: Up to $160,241 - Commensurate with education and experience

Did you know?

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options are available.

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters:

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Nicolette Burgess-Bolden, Chair, Social Services Group (nicolette.burgess@phila.gov).

The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr @phila.gov. For more information, go to: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx