About Our Agency The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) is the state agency that plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with the severe, lifelong disabilities of:
intellectual disability and related disabilities
autism spectrum disorder
traumatic brain injury
spinal cord injury and similar disability
Job Responsibilities
Provides legal advice and assistance to agency personnel on complex legal matters. Assists the General Counsel in preparing and issuing legal opinions to key DDSN staff. Provides legal assistance to DDSN staff for contracts, leases and property transfers.
Reviews employee grievance appeals and discrimination complaints. Represents DDSN in employee mediations and in grievance appeals.
Represents DDSN in family court and probate court judicial admission proceedings. Represents DDSN in other Judicial forums. Researches and prepares memorandum and legal briefs as required.
Reviews evaluations for criminal competency to stand trial evaluations and post-conviction relief cases and works with the courts and attorneys on obtaining required evaluations.
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Agency Application Procedures:
Online applications must be submitted at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/ddsn. You must include ALL current and previous work history and education. We emphasize that a resume will NOT be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications of the position; it will be passed over and not referred to hiring managers. Supplemental questions (if applicable) are considered part of your official application. You will be asked to provide a transcript if selected for a position requiring a degree. A background investigation will be conducted that may include, but not limited to, criminal records, driver's license and child abuse registry prior to an offer of employment. Additionally, a medical examination and drug testing may be required. Only those applicants chosen for an interview will be notified of job filled status.
Additional Comments:
EEO Statement: SC DDSN provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex --including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
Record Check: Criminal background check will be conducted by SLED, FBI, and DSS Child Registry that indicates no record of conviction, child abuse or neglect. Employment would also be contingent on your passing a pre-employment drug test. DDSN reserves the right to rescind any employment offer in the event our review of your background develops information, including opinions of previous employer or colleagues that cause us to conclude, at our sole discretion, that you are not suited for the position.
Immunization: If this position requires the applicant to work directly with DDSN consumers, a (2) step PPD testing or QuantiFERON TB Gold testing must be completed prior to beginning employment. All new employees who are healthcare providers are required to provide documentation of immunity or be immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, Varicella and Hepatitis B prior to beginning employment.
State Disaster Plan: In accordance with the State's Disaster Plan, which includes hazardous weather, DDSN employees may be required to work in times of an emergency or disaster.
College Transcripts: Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application are required to provide an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific time frame required by that area, after hiring.
Driving Record: If this position requires the applicant to possess a valid driver's license to operate a state vehicle or personal vehicle, any applicant being considered in the final stages of selection for the position will be required to provide a certified copy of a 10-year driving record.
Employee Referral: The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs supports a Referral Incentive Reward and a Retention Bonus program. You may contact Human Resource for further information.
Supplemental Questions: 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.
Minimum and Additional Requirements: A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school, member of the SC Bar, and three (3) years' experience as a practicing attorney. Experience should include, SC Courts, Family Courts, Probate Courts and administrative hearings.
Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. Knowledge of agency policies, standards and procedures. Ability to Interpret and apply policies, laws and judicial decisions. Ability to establish priorities. Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. Some familiarity with Roberts Rules of Procedure. Knowledge and experience with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
About SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs
SCDDSN is the state agency that plans, develops, oversees and funds services for South Carolinians with severe, lifelong disabilities of intellectual disability, autism, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury and conditions related to each of these four disabilities. Our mission is to assist people with disabilities and their families in meeting needs, pursuing possibilities and achieving life goals, and to minimize the occurrence and reduce the severity of disabilities through prevention.
