Salary: $79,600.00 - $90,000.00 Annually
Location : Lexington County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 192486
Agency: Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Division: Central Office
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Class Code:: AE30
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: GEN12
Hiring Range - Min.: $79,600.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $90,000.00

Job Responsibilities
Stop counting minutes and start making an impact. Join the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for a legal career with zero billable hours, a true 40-hour week, and work that serves the public good. Trade the grind for a mission.

This position is located at the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) - Office of Mental Health, Central Office, 400 Otarre Parkway Cayce, SC 29033.

As the Attorney III, under the general supervision of the BHDD General Counsel, acting with substantial independence, attorney provides professional legal services and representation for the agency in the primary areas of contracts, tort and litigation: mental health law and processes, and related advice and counsel to the agency.

Responsibilities for the Attorney III:

• Tort and Litigation - Manage all tort claims against the agency. Liaison with the Insurance Reserve Fund, outside counsel, and third parties as needed. Manage outside attorney who represent the agency in tort matters. Coordinate all necessary discovery within litigation matters. Direct representation of agency in the absence of IRF coverage for cases. Maintain the agency's litigation report and regularly update same.
• Contracts - Serve as BHDDs contracts attorney by reviewing contracts for individual medical providers, property leases and contracts for the operation of healthcare facilities and statewide third parties. Provide legal advice to agency employees, management, and officials in matters primarily related to contracts as needed. Work with the Division of Financial Services and Procurement on all contract related matters.
• HIPAA Privacy and Compliance - Interpret laws and policies regarding patient privacy as it relates to HIP AA, Part 2 and other state and federal privacy requirements. Develop policies and forms necessary to assist agency staff in understanding and adhering to privacy requirements. Assist Compliance Office in certification, regulatory, and audit matters.
• Consultation - Respond to questions of a legal nature from agency staff, public officials, courts, attorneys, public agencies, medical providers, and the public about agency operations, inpatient and outpatient facilities, and applicable law and policies.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

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

Additional Requirements

• Ability to attend meetings or conduct trainings outside of usual business hours
• Ability to travel within South Carolina
• Occasional in-state travel may be necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual abilities in English and Spanish (or another language) are a plus.

Additional Comments

Post hire, employees must have:

• Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina and knowledge of general case, statutory and common law.
• Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of guidance
• Good verbal and written communication skills with emphasis on attention to written details.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws in court decisions. Ability to analyze facts, evidence and legal instruments.
• Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Ability to plan and direct the activities of a legal staff.

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 Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:

• Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click 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
• Retirement benefit choices *
  • State Retirement Plan
  • State Optional Retirement Program

*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.

Have you ever been employed by the SC Dept. of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities - Office of Mental Health (OMH) (formerly SC Department of Mental Health)?

• Yes
• No

02

If you have ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense (other than in a Juvenile Court), you MUST list this information (unless you have taken steps to expunge your record.) This includes fraudulent checks, driving under suspension, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, etc. *Please note that conviction of a criminal offense does not bar you from employment in all cases; each conviction is evaluated individually. However, failure to list convictions is considered falsification of the application and WILL BE grounds for termination, if hired. It is your responsibility to know what is on your criminal record. If you have charges on your record that appear without a court disposition (result) you may be asked to provide that information if selected for employment. If you have questions, please inquire before you complete your application.PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ANSWERING THIS QUESTION WILL DEEM YOUR APPLICATION AS INCOMPLETE AND IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.Please indicate your understanding to this statement by checking the box below.

• Checking this box indicates my understanding to the above referenced statement.

03

Do you have a juris doctor degree or equivalent from an accredited law school with experience as a practicing attorney?

• Yes
• No

04

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

• Yes
• No

05

Have you completed the Rule 403 requirements of the South Carolina Judiciary?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have at least five (5) years of experience as an attorney?

• Yes
• No

07

Please indicate your salary requirements (please be specific and not put "negotiable" or "open").
Required Question