Description

Position Summary

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced, licensed PA attorney to serve as Chair of the Social Services Law Group (SSLG).  The SSLG is comprised of the Child Welfare Unit (CWU) and the Health and Adult Services Unit (HAS).  SSLG’s major client responsibilities include the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Public Health (PDPH), the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbilities (DBHIDS), and the Office of Homeless Services (OHS).  The Chair of the SSLG oversees the provision of legal representation and services to all of the social service agencies in the City of Philadelphia. The Chair of the SSLG is responsible for managing approximately 100 staff members, including over 60 attorneys.

Essential Functions

• The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. Managing and overseeing the Senior Management structure in the SSLG, which consists of three Chief Deputies, i.e., the CWU Chief Deputy of Litigation and Appeals, the CWU Chief Deputy of Administration and Specialty Practice and the Chief Deputy of HAS; seven Divisional Deputy City Solicitors and the Senior Attorney for Training & Professional Development; 
• Managing, legal and policy issues for the respective clients of the CWU and HAS Units;
• Working directly with the First Deputy City Solicitor and the Director of Administration on all budget matters that impact the SSLG;
• Serving as lead counsel to the Commissioners of the represented social service agencies, including the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Public Health (PDPH), the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbilities (DBHIDS) and the Office of Homeless Services (OHS);
• Counseling and consulting with clients on “high profile cases”, which includes the drafting of responses to press/media inquiries in coordination with the Law Department’s Director of Communications;
• Overseeing the CWU work regarding the Act 33 fatality and near fatality cases;
• Acting as liaison for various clients with Court Administration, Community Legal Services, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and other legal stakeholders;
• Participating and providing counsel to various City Work Groups; Raising the profile of the Law Department through various outreach or educational opportunities such as presenting at conferences, convenings, or working groups.
• Working with Senior Management team and Director of Professional Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on training, professional development, onboarding, and recruitment for all SSLG employees
• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity; and
• Overseeing and managing interview process for all SSLG vacancies.

Requirements

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, people management, and administrative skills;
• Proven project management skills that meet projected deadlines and results while using resources effectively;
• Ability to coach and influence cross-functional teams to drive change and align with overarching strategy/ goals;
• Experience in coaching and leading teams in performance improvement strategies that result in higher performance;
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, regardless of audience’s education;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with all levels in city government and external stakeholders;
• Experience in managing client relationships;
• Experience in cross-system collaboration work, information sharing and data sharing; 
• Ability to analyze complex legal issues, their impact on policy and propose viable solutions;
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and processes. 

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• The ideal candidate would have at least 12-15 years of in-practice experience, including substantial experience managing attorneys.  Significant experience in child welfare law, public health law, Family Court, and Mental Health Court is preferred.  The candidate must be able to work collaboratively with the leadership and staff of the various social service agencies and the other stakeholders to solve the myriad issues that may arise when dealing with abused and neglected children and their families and other vulnerable populations.
• Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.

Work Location & Onsite Expectations

This position is designated as fully onsite and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.

Who Thrives in This Role

This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making decisions in real time, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.

Additional Information 

Did you know?

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.  Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more. 
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options are available. 

Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters: https://smrtr.io/yT9qQ 

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Meghan R. Goddard, First Deputy City Solicitor, Executive Office (meghan.goddard@phila.gov). 

The successful candidate must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of hire.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, visit the Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx