With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

Agency Descriptions:

The attorneys in the HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit counsel all City departments and subunits required to comply with the HIPAA Privacy Rule and Breach Notification Rule. The HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit is also responsible for overseeing and supporting the City’s HIPAA privacy compliance program, which involves monitoring the City’s compliance with the Privacy Rule; reporting to the City HIPAA Steering Committee; overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of City privacy policies and workforce training; investigating and reporting of HIPAA incidents; managing the City’s response to governmental audits and investigations; and receiving complaints from individuals regarding the City’s privacy policies or practices.

The HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit is seeking a mid-level privacy attorney to provide regulatory and compliance guidance to the City’s health and social services departments. This position provides an exciting opportunity to work with individuals at all levels of City government and significantly impact the City’s privacy operations.

Duties will include:

• Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to HIPAA and other data privacy laws;
• Communicating with City business stakeholders, subject matter experts, vendors, and others involved in data sharing and privacy matters;
• Preparing responses to audits and investigations by governmental entities; 
• Assisting in investigating and mitigating HIPAA incidents;
• Reviewing, revising, and drafting HIPAA related terms in contracts with business associates and other agreements involving the City’s protected health information; 
• Creating, updating, and implementing training materials and other compliance tools; 
• Updating HIPAA policies and procedures in response to legal and operational changes;
• Coordinating with other attorneys to evaluate the applicability of state, federal, and local laws and regulations protecting the confidentiality of the City’s health and social services information; and
• Addressing other legal and compliance issues as they arise.

Seeking a candidate with 3-5 years of law firm, government, or in-house experience as a healthcare attorney, with significant involvement in HIPAA/data privacy matters.  Experience as a privacy officer desirable. Privacy certification preferred but not required (CIPP/CHPC/CHP/equivalent). Admission to Pennsylvania bar required.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of regulations and standards for the protection of health information
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing
• Ability to perform complex legal analyses
• Confidence making presentations to a wide variety of audiences, for example, presenting reports to senior leadership and providing live training to large groups
• Ability to foster effective working relationships and influence organizational behaviors
• Self-direction and ability to prioritize, plan work, and manage projects independently

Please provide a cover letter with your application. Any questions related to this position should be directed to Julie Assis, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit (julie.assis @phila.gov).

The successful candidate must reside in the City of Philadelphia or establish primary residence in the City of Philadelphia within six months of employment.

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, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx