Assistant Legal Counsel (Employment & Labor Law)
Job ID: 107764
Location: Oregon City, Oregon
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary:Regular
CLACKAMAS COUNTY CORE VALUES
Clackamas County employees work to serve the public and enrich our community. In that spirit, we pledge to hold ourselves to these standards at all times in our interactions with customers and one another:
• Service
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Respect
• Individual accountability
• Trust
By incorporating these values into our daily routines, we can better serve our customers, ourselves and our projects. We're always looking to improve. That's the Clackamas County SPIRIT. https://www.clackamas.us/countyadmin/spirit
Clackamas County is committed to building a community where people thrive, have a sense of safety, connection, and belonging, so that everyone is honored and celebrated for the richness in diversity they bring. We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and lived experience to apply.
CLOSE DATE
This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be on Monday, January 13, 2024. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.
PAY AND BENEFITS
Annual Pay Range: $124,910.81 - $168,628.91
Hourly Pay Range: $60.053276 - $60.0532769
Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position. This position is an “at will” position and serves under the County Counsel on an employment Contract.
Clackamas County proudly offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, including competitive wages, cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases (for eligible employees), and a robust sick and vacation plan for regular status employees.
We encourage and support employee health and wellness by offering, health and wellness classes and events, and alternative care benefits, so you can customize your wellness needs to fit your lifestyle. Employee benefits become effective the first of the month following an employee's date of hire.
Attractive benefits package and incentives for employees in regular status positions are detailed below.
Generous paid time off package, including:
• 16 hours of vacation accrual per month
• Eligible newly hired employees will have the one-time option to frontload their first year of vacation accruals in compliance with http://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/a51ff5d3-d243-49ba-aa11-15324f4c0bf8! This means you have access to vacation time at time of hire.
• 8 hours of sick accrual per month
• 10 paid holidays and 1 personal day per year
Other Benefits:
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP):
• Employer-paid 6% PERS retirement contribution (The county currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.)
• A Choice of Medical Plans that include chiropractic coverage, alternative care, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• A Choice of Dental Plans
• Robust EAP and wellness programs, including gym discounts and wellness education classes
• Longevity pay
• Other retirement Savings Options that allow for additional retirement funds savings, including an option to contribute a portion of employee earnings on a pre or post-tax basis to a 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• A variety of additional optional benefits (see links below for additional information)
This is a full time non-represented group 2 County position
https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/89bed039-1cd2-4362-87d1-58972a37473b
http://www.clackamas.us/des/benefits.html
JOB DETAILS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Clackamas County is seeking an Assistant Legal Counsel with expertise in employment and labor law to join our dynamic legal team. In this role, you will provide critical legal advice, representation, and advocacy to the county's elected officials, departments, and divisions.
This opportunity offers an opportunity to work across multiple legal areas while focusing on employment and labor law. It is an ideal role for attorneys with strong analytical, advocacy, and advisory skills looking to make a tangible impact in their community.
As an Assistant Legal Counsel focusing on employment and labor law, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring Clackamas County operates within legal frameworks while advancing its strategic goals. This position requires a dynamic attorney who can prosecute, defend, and negotiate a wide range of employment-related legal matters, from workplace compliance issues to complex litigation and arbitrations. You will serve as a trusted advisor to county officials, providing strategic guidance on labor relations, workplace policies, and employee grievances. In addition to offering counsel, you will draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements, ensuring their alignment with legal standards and county objectives. By conducting legal research and preparing opinions and recommendations, you will help the county navigate the complexities of labor and employment law. Collaboration is central to this role, as you will work closely with internal departments and external stakeholders to protect the county's interests and support its workforce.
In this multifaceted role, you will advocate for the county's position in employment-related hearings, arbitrations, and court proceedings, representing its interests with skill and integrity. You will provide legal counsel on labor negotiations, employee relations, and compliance with evolving state and federal employment laws. As part of your responsibilities, you will interpret complex legal and regulatory requirements, offering sound advice to guide county policies and practices. Negotiating and drafting agreements related to employment matters will be a critical aspect of your work, requiring attention to detail and a focus on achieving equitable solutions. Additionally, you will lead efforts to educate and train county employees and officials on legal matters, fostering a culture of compliance and understanding. Your contributions will be instrumental in shaping a fair and legally sound work environment that aligns with Clackamas County's mission and values.
The ideal candidate for this role is a skilled and dedicated legal professional with a thorough understanding of employment and labor law, particularly as it applies to municipal or public entities. You are well-versed in civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution, with a strong command of the principles of labor relations, workplace compliance, and risk management. Your ability to analyze complex legal challenges and craft innovative, practical solutions sets you apart.
The ideal candidate will excel in drafting clear and effective legal documents, including contracts, policies, and agreements, while ensuring alignment with relevant regulations. As a communicator, you possess the ability to explain complex legal concepts to diverse audiences, building trust and fostering collaboration. Your advocacy skills shine in hearings, arbitrations, and court settings, where you represent your client's interests with professionalism and precision. With a deep understanding of federal and state employment laws, you are adept at identifying and mitigating risks while supporting organizational goals.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are eager to contribute your expertise to Clackamas County's mission, this position is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
• A minimum of one (1) years of related experience in civil litigation with a focus on employment law that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position
• Active member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing prior to appointment. If you are currently licensed in another state, for information about the reciprocity process, please visit the https://www.osbar.org/admissions website
• A juris doctor degree from an accredited law school
• Demonstrate skill to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to establish findings of fact and decisions in concise written form
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
• Experience advising management on compliance with all labor law requirements in managing represented employees such as employee discipline, grievances, and labor negotiations; representing management in arbitrations and before administrative agencies; and advising management on compliance with all employment law requirements, such as anti-discrimination laws, FMLA/OFLA, ADA, whistleblowing laws, and wage and hour laws
• Experience in public sector labor and employment law
• Experience in employment litigation
• Experience in a collaborative team environment as a supervisor of other attorneys or legal staff
• Experience with the organization of County government; county ordinances, rules and policies; department policies and procedures; and liability and risk management principles
Pre-Employment Requirements:
• Must pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
• Driving is required for county business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. http://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/828106a0-265a-47cc-a3a6-0a2c8b028673
*For veterans qualified for Veterans' Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
TYPICAL TASKS
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
• Represent the County in federal and state civil litigation, as well as administrative proceedings before the Employment Relations Board
• Advise county departments, including the Human Resources Department, on employment and labor matters
• Represent the county before arbitrators on contract interpretation or disciplinary grievances that are advised to final and binding arbitration
• Direct and oversee the work of paralegals involved in county legal matters
• Work with various county departments to obtain information and develop policies intended to ensure legal compliance
• Prepare and analyze proposed state and federal legislation affecting county operations
• Research, study, and interpret the application of laws, court decisions and other legal authorities and precedents; prepares legal opinions, memoranda and briefs on the same
• Advise the county on specific issues related to labor negotiations and the obligations of public bodies under the PECBA
• Interact with and confer with other public entity attorneys on matters related to labor and employment relations
• Represent the county at public meetings
WORK SCHEDULE
This position is included in the county's alternate workweek program, working 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Thursday (Fridays off). Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended. This position is eligible for hybrid on-site/telework subject to the https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/9065b5fb-2237-47ce-9534-e7c8c40fc2bc and based on the Department's business needs. The exact amount of on-site/telework and schedule will be discussed with the hiring manager during time of offer. Telework locations cannot be located outside of Oregon or Washington. Washington residents must perform 50% of their time on-site at Clackamas County.
EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY
Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 420,000 residents.
• http://www.clackamas.us/
• http://www.clackamas.us/onboarding/
• https://www.mthoodterritory.com/
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Clackamas County Office of County Counsel is to provide quality legal services and representation to all county departments, elected officials, service districts, and employees while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources. We provide a full range of legal service to the Board of County Commissioners, all elected county officials, all departments and divisions, and special districts. We provide general counsel and advisory legal services countywide, and also represent the county and its agents and employees in Federal, State, and Tax Courts, labor arbitrations, land use and administrative hearings, and in small claims.
http://www.clackamas.us/counsel/
APPLICATION PROCESS
Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help With Your Application:
• https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/6b3147a3-bf84-4f52-8238-64a37e936b4f
• https://www.clackamas.us/jobs#helpwiththeapplication
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or mailto:jobs@co.clackamas.or.us?subject=Application%20Materials%20Question. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).
HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
• https://www.clackamas.us/des/jobs.html
• https://dochub.clackamas.us/documents/drupal/a67ee11c-861c-4126-aa5a-4dec6174f6eb
VISA SPONSORSHIP
Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Once a job applicant has accepted a position, they will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States prior to their first day.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
RECRUITING QUESTIONS?
James Callahan, Recruiter
mailto:JCallahan@clackamas.us?subject=RECRUITMENT%20QUESTIONS
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/5894686
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