Assistant County Solicitor (Policies & Procedures)

POSITION SUMMARY: This position represents the County of Berks in general legal matters with a specific focus on policies and procedures, contract review and procurement support.

This position advises the Board of Commissioners, COO team, HR, and County departments on legally compliant policies and procedures as well as general legal matters affecting County interests.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to: * Provides legal advice and representation to the County of Berks.

* Files legal pleadings, briefs, and documents necessary to represent the County at various miscellaneous hearings and matters.

* Collaborate with County leadership and County Departments to identify policy and procedure needs.

* Drafts, reviews and revises Countywide policies and procedures.

* Drafts, reviews and revises intradepartmental policies and procedures.

* Monitor the status of, and changes in, Pennsylvania law and Federal law that impact existing policies and procedures to advise the County of Berks accordingly.

* Drafts contracts, ordinances and various other legal documents for the Board of Commissioners and other County departments.

* Drafts and reviews contracts developed as a result of the public procurement process.

* Drafts and reviews grant expenditure reports for compliance with the law.

* Provides coverage for the County Solicitor and the First Assistant County Solicitor at public meetings and legal proceedings.

* Handles general Solicitor work as may be assigned by the County Solicitor and First Assistant County Solicitor.

* Provides legal advice and guidance to the purchasing department on compliance with the Third-Class County Code in the procurement process.

* Collaborates with County Departments to understand and address contracting, and procurement needs.

* Provides formal and informal training in procurement law and policies to new employees involved in the contracts process.

* Participate in product evaluations and discussions in the procurement process.

* Review and revise ITBs, RFPs, and RFIs in conjunction with purchasing and the relevant department.

* Participate as a member of the review committee for ITBs, RFPs, and RFIs.

* Acts as a liaison between the County, the public, County departments and outside agencies on issues including grants, contract matters and County government policies and procedures.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: * Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.

* Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

* Seven (7) years of experience in related legal field.

* Prior experience in government procurement.

* Prior experience in a governmental entity in a capacity which would provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

* Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: * Knowledge of trial advocacy including Rules of Evidence and Civil Procedure.

* Knowledge of appellate advocacy including knowledge of the Rules of Appellate Procedure.

* Knowledge of Administrative Procedure.

* Knowledge of applicable, local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

* Knowledge and familiarity with Pennsylvania Procurement law * Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

* Ability to interpret and apply applicable rules, laws, ordinances, and policies.

* Knowledge of the organization and functions, preferably the 3rd Class County Code.

* Knowledge and understanding of County Government workings and functions.

* Ability to maintain confidential and protected information.

* Ability to write clearly and persuasively.

* Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and courtesy.

* Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.

* Ability to organize work in a logical, effective, and efficient manner.

* Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

* Ability to maintain professional demeanor when dealing with internal/external customers.

* Ability to work independently with a high degree of organization and sound judgment.

* Ability to develop effective relationships with department heads, agency directors, elected officials, private contractors, media representatives and the public.

* Ability to thrive in a stressful, fast-paced team environment.

* Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel objects, tools or controls and reaching with hands and arms.

Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20lbs a distance of fifteen (15) feet or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Normal office environment.

Position requires occasional travel to locals both within and outside the County including Harrisburg and state and federal court locations.

Incumbent needs access to reliable transportation.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee.

It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.