Chair of the Social Service Group

  • Full-time

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. 

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:

  Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 

  Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 

  Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest. Our lawyers help chart the course for the City in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development.  The Social Services Law Group (SSLG) is comprised of the Child Welfare Unit (CWU), Health and Adult Services Unit (HAS) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Unit (HIPAA).  Its major clients include, the Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Public Health (PDPH), Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbilities (DBHIDS) and the Office of Homeless Services (OHS). The SSLG represents the City in most of its initiatives and policies involving vulnerable populations.

Job Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced licensed PA attorney to Chair the SSLG. The SSLG oversees CWU, HAS, and the HIPAA.  The SSLG Chair oversees, manages, and further develops the provision of legal representation and services to all of the social service agencies in the City of Philadelphia, as well as all City HIPAA covered entities.  The SSLG Chair will be responsible for managing over 160 people (approximately 100 staff, over 60 attorneys).  The SSLG Chair is also a member of the Law Department’s Executive Team and reports directly to the City Solicitor and First Deputy City Solicitor.

Essential Functions

The duties of the SSLG Chair primarily consist of providing coordinated legal representation and advice to the Social Service Departments of the City of Philadelphia.  These duties include but are not limited to:

  • Managing and overseeing the Senior Management structure in the SSLG, which currently consists of four Chief Deputies, i.e. CWU Chief Deputy of Litigation and Appeals, CWU Chief Deputy of Administration and Specialty Practice, Chief Deputy of HAS, Chief Deputy of HIPAA and eight Divisional Deputy City Solicitors, along with the Senior Attorney for Policy and Research;
  • Managing, at a macro level, legal and policy issues for the respective clients of the CWU, HAS and HIPAA Units;
  • Serving as lead counsel to the Deputy Mayor, Deputy Managing Director for the Social Services Cluster (a unit in the Managing Director’s Office) and the Commissioners of the represented social service agencies, i.e. the Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Public Health (PDPH), Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbilities (DBHIDS) and the Office of Homeless Services (OHS);
  • Providing oversight to the Social Services Cluster on its extensive Data Sharing Project;
  • Convening, coordinating and leading the work of the Law Opioid Workgroup;
  • Counseling and consulting with the DHS on “high profile cases”, which includes the drafting of responses to press/media inquiries;
  • 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, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and other legal stakeholders;
  • Participating and providing counsel to various City Task Forces on specialized social service initiatives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • The ideal candidate would have at least 12-15 years in practice, including experience managing attorneys. 
  • Significant experience in child welfare law, public health law, HIPAA, 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 be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strong leadership and management skills;
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
  • Influence and run cross-functional teams to drive change and stay aligned with overarching strategy;
  • Orchestrate multiple activities at once; uses resources effectively and efficiently;
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal;
  • Excellent active listening skills;
  • Strong analytical & problem-solving skills;
  • Proven project management skills that meet projected deadline and results;
  • Work effectively with all levels in the government;
  • Ability to clearly articulate messages to a variety of audiences;
  • Ability to coach and influence senior leaders and move toward a common vision or goal;
  • Experience in group facilitation, coaching & leading teams/organizations in performance improvement strategies that result in higher performance;
  • Experience in managing client relationships;
  • Experience in cross system collaboration work, information sharing and data sharing;
  • Analysis of complex legal issues and impact on policy;
  • Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process;
  • Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.

Additional Information

Salary Range: $141,000

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and reference list with your application. Applications without all documents will not be considered.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Craig M. Straw, First Deputy City Solicitor at [email protected].

Did you know?

  • We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
  • Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (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 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six 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 [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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