CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL - 64007046

OverviewThe position will serve as the Chief Legal Counsel to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The incumbent will function as lead attorney for the Office and will be responsible for supervising other programmatic attorneys. The incumbent will coordinate Office legal needs with other attorneys and staff to ensure client satisfaction. This position will provide the Office with clear and consistent advice and counsel on general administrative matters, statutory, and regulatory interpretations. The incumbent will engage in rulemaking, including drafting and promulgating administrative rules pursuant to Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, on complex subject matters. This position is responsible for reviewing and responding to administrative filings including petitions for variance, waiver, and declaratory statements. The position will be responsible for reviewing and preparing agency action in disciplinary proceedings against licensees and handling resulting administrative litigation. The incumbent will provide oversight of and/or representation in the Office's litigation, including formal and informal administrative hearings, state and federal court actions, and appeals. The incumbent provides expert legislative analyses and legal review of all bills impacting the Office. Additionally, the position provides counsel on implementing legislation. The incumbent provides the Office with guidance on public records issues and assists with review as needed. The position is responsible for planning and directing the work of the Office's attorneys, approving leave, documenting performance deficiencies, recognizing milestones and successes, and recommending hiring or disciplinary action. The position performs other related duties as required by the Deputy General Counsel or the General Counsel.Required Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesProfessional experience in the practice of law, legal research, teaching law, or in administrative hearings or court proceedings. Knowledge of Microsoft Office software, knowledge of rulemaking authority and process; knowledge of civil and administrative proceedings and procedures; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.QualificationsLaw degree (J.D.) and five years of professional experience in the practice of law. Must be a member of the FloridaFlorida Department of Health Mission, Vision, and Values:MissionTo protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.VisionTo be the Healthiest State in the Nation.Values:Innovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.Collaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.Accountability: We perform with integrity & respect.Responsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.Excellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.Where You Will WorkThe Florida Department of Health, State Health Office where the incumbent will work, is located in the scenic Southwood community of Tallahassee. The State Health Office sits on a beautiful, sprawling campus complete with lakes, walking trails, and nearby restaurants. The Department promotes the health of its employees and encourages staff to walk the beautiful grounds during breaks. While our professional dress code is standard, we offer the added benefit of wearing athletic shoes when not in court for comfort and walks, along with a relaxed professional casual dress code policy on Fridays.The Benefits of Working for the State of FloridaWorking for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:Annual and Sick Leave benefits;Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;Retirement plan options, including employer contributionsYour responses to qualifying questions for this position must be verifiable by documentation provided through the electronic application process.This position requires a security background check and/or drug screening and participation in direct deposit. Any misrepresentations or omissions will disqualify you from employment consideration. Note: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number (SSN) in order to conduct this background check Successful completion of a drug test is a condition of employment for safety-sensitive positions.Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.The successful candidate will be required to complete the Form I-9 and that information will be verified using the E-Verify system. E-Verify is operated by the Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration to verify employment cumbents may be required to perform emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days.All Florida Department of Health positions require the incumbent to be able to learn and communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in English. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-877-562-7287). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the nation with more than 1.5 million service men and women. The Florida Department of Health (department) is committed to serving members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families by encouraging them to apply for vacancies that fit their area of knowledge and/or expertise. Through the Department's VALOR program, which expedites licensing for military veterans, the Department also waives initial licensing and application fees for military veterans who apply for a health care professional license within 60 months of an honorable discharge. These initiatives help ensure that the transition from military service into the workforce is as smooth as possible and reflects our appreciation for the dedication devoted to protecting our country.The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.For assistance, call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287 Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern time #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-26