Staff Attorney

Description:

Job Posting:
Agency Information: Kansas Department of Labor (https://www.dol.ks.gov/)

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) assists in the prevention of economic insecurity through unemployment insurance and workers compensation, by providing a fair and efficient venue to exercise employer and employee rights, and by helping employers promote a safe work environment for their employees. This facilitates compliance with labor laws while enabling advancement of the economic well-being of the citizens of Kansas.

At KDOL, our employees are our most valuable resource. We encourage our employees to grow and advance by participating in job shadow/training opportunities within KDOL. We value work-life balance and offer flexible schedules and telework opportunities.

As a quickly growing agency, we are always looking for passionate, talented and creative people to join our team. If you're looking for a challenge that will lead you to the next level of your career, you've found the right place. Come grow with us!

Learn more @ dol.ks.gov

About the Position:

• Who can apply: Open to all who meet the minimum requirements.
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veteran and/or Disability Preference Eligible Yes. See below for description:
• Office Location: Hybrid. Onsite in Topeka first 6 months, then potential 2 days telework.
• Application Due: Open until filled

Employment Benefits:

• First day of employment coverage under the State's comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage and dental plan.
• Additional voluntary options including vision, hospital indemnity, accident and critical illness insurance plans and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement and deferred compensation programs
• Sick & Vacation leave
• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave
• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)
• Employee discounts with the STAR Program (http://oitsapps.ks.gov/da/ops/star/)
• We celebrate employee appreciation and host socializing events

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information… (https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center/benefits)

Position Summary & Responsibilities: StaffAttorney

The Kansas Department of Labor seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented attorney to join its legal team. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to engage in meaningful public service while handling complex and impactful legal matters across multiple areas of administrative and civil law.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis of complex legal issues for the Office of the Secretary and various agency divisions. Prepare comprehensive research memoranda and legal guidance for review by the Chief Counsel, ensuring accuracy, thoroughness, and identification of related legal considerations.
• Represent the Agency in litigation before state and federal district courts, appellate courts, and administrative tribunals. Responsibilities include defending agency actions under the Kansas Judicial Review Act related to unemployment insurance determinations, claims under the Kansas Wage Claims Act, and collections through the Kansas Debt Setoff Program; initiating adversary proceedings in bankruptcy matters; and enforcing agency-issued subpoenas.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, data sharing agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other binding legal instruments to safeguard the Agency's interests. Provide well-reasoned legal analysis and collaborate with agency divisions and the Office of the Secretary to ensure compliant and effective execution of agreements.

This position offers meaningful experience, exposure to diverse areas of law, and the opportunity to contribute directly to the administration of critical state programs. Candidates seeking substantive responsibility, professional growth, and commitment to public service are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in the State of Kansas

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the Kansas Employment Security Law, the Kansas Wage Payment Act, and/or the Kansas Judicial Review Act
• Litigation experience

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Pre-employment background screening
• State of Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate (https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/default.aspx). The successful applicant (including new residents) must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website within 10 days of the date the applicant has been offered the employment position. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact (785) 296-3199. Visit the Tax Clearance site for more information on and where to obtain this Kansas Department of Revenue document.

KDOL Recruiter Contact Information:
Email: KDOL.HumanResources@ks.gov
Mailing Address: 401 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66603

Preference Eligibility:
How to Claim Veterans Preference
Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran's Preference (https://admin.ks.gov/services/state-employment-center/veterans)

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference
2024 Senate Bill 333 creates an employment preference for qualified job applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities when applying for state jobs. The preference is available to individuals who are not currently working for the State of Kansas who apply for a State job, as well as to current State employees who apply for a different job or promotion.

Learn more about claiming Disability Preference (https://admin.ks.gov/offices/personnel-services/jobs/disability-hiring-preference)

Please Note: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS either by fax, email or post office mail as indicated:
These documents should be sent by fax to (785) 296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed or delivered in-person to:

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