Closing Date: 13th July, 2026
Description:
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:
- The Associate Counsel will be responsible for consulting with DHS staff regarding legal issues involving Human Resources and employment law matters, including but not limited to FMLA, ADA, PWFA, background checks, disciplinary action and issues arising out of internal investigations.
- This position is responsible for limited litigation, primarily in administrative forums related to employee appeals under the TEAM act, unemployment compensation, as well as responding to EEOC complaints, and coordinating with the Attorney Generals Office on any employment litigation in state or federal court.
- The Associate Counsel will be responsible for working directly with the Deputy General Counsel on legal writing and research projects as assigned. 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 agency and program operations.
- The Associate Counsel must possess the ability to perform assigned duties in a timely and accurate manner, be self-directed, and to produce accurate and thorough professional legal work.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Active License to practice law in Tennessee is required. 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.