The Civil Rights Attorney conducts civil rights reviews and ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504, American with Disabilities Act Age Discrimination of 1975, and Civil Rights compliance and enforcement for the Department of Health and Human Services providers, vendors, and clients. Develops policies and procedures for effectively monitoring individual program areas to ensure compliance with Civil Rights Statutes.

What we can offer you:
• Stable Employment
• 13 paid holidays (including Arbor Day!)
• Vacation and sick leave equating to 24 days your first year, accruing immediately
• Military leave, civil service leave, funeral leave, and more
• 156% (that’s not a typo!) state-matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer paid health, dental, vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PLSF) through the Federal government
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Fun and inviting teammates

Examples of Work

• Investigate complaints of discrimination made by clients and people applying for benefits.
• Gather and review information, interview witnesses, prepare investigation reports, and identify and align remedial measures.
• Respond to inquiries from clients and people applying for benefits about civil rights.
• Develop compliance communications and provide training and guidance to agency personnel related to civil rights and compliance.
• Take other appropriate steps and actions to ensure compliance with civil rights laws and regulations to prevent discrimination in the provision of services.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate compliance and privacy risk mitigation.
• Investigate complaints of misconduct by employees relating to ethics and compliance.
• Conduct periodic compliance reviews of offices, programs, and contractors to ensure accessibility of programs and services.

This position may also assist with other areas within the unit. Secondary job duties:
• Conduct legal research on complex areas of law involving regulations, legislation, privacy, HIPAA, compliance, and ethics.
• Review contracts, business associate agreements, and data use agreements for compliance and privacy issues.
• Assist with regulation promulgation and drafting.
• Provide legal interpretation and guidance to agency personnel on legislation.

If questions, call Rita at 531-739-8757

REQUIREMENTS: Three years of experience as an attorney practicing law and providing legal services such as preparing and trying cases, advising clients, and/or interpreting laws or administrative policies.

In accordance with Section 7-101, Nebraska Revised, Reissued Statutes of l943, incumbents in this class must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to: interpret and apply statutes, case law, decisions of court/administrative hearings, administrative rules, and policies on a variety of complex legal issues; review and apply state and federal laws regarding agency compliance; effectively communicate and interact with internal personnel, external stakeholders, and the public; evaluate programs and documents for compliance and develop strategic plans; draft and develop internal agency policies; conduct risk analysis; conduct thorough and timely investigations into discrimination complaints; conduct legal research and formulate opinions and recommendations based on legal research; identify critical elements of legal questions and issues; and create and conduct internal training for agency personnel related to civil rights.

About State of Nebraska

The Department of Health and Human Services provides a variety of career opportunities. No matter your educational background and/or experience, we may have a career opportunity for you. We recognize that our employees bring tremendous value to the State of Nebraska and that their vital work helps people live better lives. We support our staff by offering fantastic benefits, training and development opportunities for personal and professional growth, and a positive, team-oriented atmosphere.

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