Associate Counsel - Rehabilitation Services

Closing Date: 12th October, 2026

Description:

Job Overview:
The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) is currently seeking experienced candidates for Associate Counsel in the DHS Office of General Counsel (OGC). The Associate Counsel will be primarily responsible for providing legal advice and research to DHS Rehabilitation Services program staff, which may include limited litigation, primarily in administrative forums.

Key Responsibilities:

• The Associate Counsel will primarily be responsible for consulting with DHS staff regarding legal issues and matters involving Rehabilitation Services and Tennessee Business Enterprises, as well as other legal matters for other program areas, as assigned.
• The Associate Counsel will also be responsible for assisting the Senior Associate/Legislative Counsel with identifying and analyzing legislation impacting the Department and with the preparation and promulgation of Department rules, as assigned.
• The Associate Counsel will also work directly with the Legislative Counsel and Deputy General Counsel on legal writing and research projects as assigned.
• The position requires legal research of federal and state law, regulations, and case law on multiple issues and the preparation of memoranda advising OGC and DHS program staff on issues affecting agency and program operations.
• The Associate Counsel must be able to collaborate effectively with non-legal staff, perform assigned duties in a timely and accurate manner, produce accurate and thorough professional legal work, and be self-directed.

Minimum Qualifications:
Active License to practice law in Tennessee is required.

Preferred Skills:
Three (3) or more years of continuous legal practice, preferably with experience in one or more of the following:

• Disability rehabilitation policy and practice; social services programs;
• government agency legal work, including general procurement/contract matters; administrative law; and/or administrative litigation.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Candidate must be able to work cooperatively with Department program staff in diverse areas and be 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.

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