Government Liaison/Special Advice Counsel/Staff Attorney

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York County is located in the Piedmont region, between the Broad River and the Catawba River. Its diverse landscape is home to family-friendly towns/cities, a progressive urban region and lakefront communities. We are excited that you want to join our team and recognize that our employees are the foundation for our success.

Mission Statement- York County provides quality public services in an open, efficient, and responsive manner.

Vision Statement - York County provides an environment where all citizens and businesses can thrive and succeed.

Core Values -Excellence through Professionalism

• Respect - respect builds bridges, not silos. How we live it? Golden rule - treat others as you want to be treated.
• Dedicated- strong work ethic. How we live it? Persistence, reliability and commitment to do your best.
• Integrity- do the right thing instead of what is convenient. How we live it? Displaying strong moral principles.
• Knowledgeable- ready and able. How we live it? Having the right competencies necessary for achievement.
• Friendly- service with a smile. How we live it? Being respectful, pleasant and helpful to ALL.

The County Attorney's Office is excited to hire a Government Liaison/ Special Advice Counsel/Staff Attorney to join their team. In this newly created position, you will monitor and analyze legislation and policy developments; advocate, educate and negotiate on matters related to the County/Council’s interests with government agencies. You will also develop and maintain relationships with local and state agencies and officials and their staff; prepare materials and testimony for government hearings and meetings and assist with drafting proposed legislation while representing the organization's interests in meetings, hearings, and other forums with government officials and policymakers. This person will need to stay abreast of legislative and regulatory developments, analyze their potential impact on the organization, and develop strategies to influence policy decisions.

Salary is dependent on experience and education.

Recruitment Process: This position is open until filled, with applications being reviewed weekly. This posting may close at any time once a sufficient number of applications have been received or the position has been filled. All communication regarding this position will come directly from the hiring department.

Our Total Compensation Package:

• Compensation – competitive market-rate pay, and negotiable based on qualifications.
• Comprehensive State Medical Insurance, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Deferred Compensation 401K Plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Public Loan Forgiveness Program (Student Loan Forgiveness Program)
• 11 Paid Holidays + 3 Optional Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• SC State Retirement Plan Pension
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Expanded Sick Bank
• Critical Care and Cancer Insurance
• Wellness Screenings
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Professional Development / Trainings / Conferences
• Paid uniforms

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Communicates and coordinates regularly with other governmental entities within York County, state Legislators, and other State agencies and officials to address Council policy initiatives and to help draft and support legislation in furtherance of County policy initiatives.
• Conducts legal research and addresses needed ordinance changes identified through the ordinance review process (e.g., facilitates the zoning Recode review). Proposes options for implementing recommended changes. When necessary, collaborates with state legislators and other stakeholders to draft proposed legislation for changes identified as priorities by County Council.
• Attends Council Meetings, special and regular, council workshops, committee meetings, conferences, retreats, and training sessions as directed by the County Attorney. Meetings and workshops may be held in the evening, as is often County practice. Conferences, meetings, and training sessions may be held outside the county and may involve overnight travel, which will require the ability to drive a County vehicle.
• Strategic Communications: As necessary with respect to legal matters and in cooperation with County leadership and in furtherance of Council policy objectives: develops and coordinates implementation of communication strategies to promote the County/Council’s mission and goals; communicates with various stakeholders, including the public and government officials; assists with preparing official public statements and assists with ensuring responsive/accurate information is available to the public through the county’s messaging outlets

• Reports progress and outcomes of legislative bills, regulatory changes, and legal actions at both the state and federal level.
• Researches and interprets the law as it applies to the governance of the County in multiple practice areas, including but not limited to land use, Fee in Lieu of Tax Simplification Act, special tax districts, water/sewer law, contracts and procurement, financing and budgeting matters, roads and transportation, zoning and building code matters, etc.
• Remains current on statutes, case law, and regulations that may affect the operations and policies of the County to ensure compliance with the laws and to limit liabilities.
• Represents the County in civil litigation as circumstances dictate.
• Drafts, reviews and provides legal advice concerning County contracts, Ordinances, and Resolutions as circumstances dictate.
• Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Performs related work as assigned by the County Attorney.

Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctorate required.
• Eight (8) years of experience in the practice of law, preferably in local government, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Certifications / Licenses:

• Licensed to practice law in the State of South Carolina.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Standard Clauses

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Physical Demands:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.