GENERAL COUNSEL 1 - 67843

Executive Service

Who we are and what we do:

The mission of the Inmate Disciplinary Oversight Board is to deliver insights and recommendations that will enhance correctional policies and ensure that decisions regarding inmate sentence credits are grounded in principles of fairness, accountability, and public safety.

The goals of the Board include:

1. Enhance the safety of all Tennesseans through Board work.

2. Ensure uniformity and fairness in Department of Corrections sentencing credit procedures

3. Protect inmates and correctional staff by establishing protocols and policies that assure sentencing credits are being granted and withdrawn properly.

4. Promote effective departmental accountability in the area of inmate sentencing credits.

How you make a difference in this role:

As a General Counsel 1 for the State of Tennessee's Inmate Disciplinary Oversight Board (IDOB) you will act as the chief legal advisor within the agency. This position is responsible for providing legal guidance on disciplinary matters, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, and managing legal proceedings. The General Counsel will play a critical role in ensuring the board's actions are legally sound, efficient, and aligned with the state's professional regulatory framework. Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a commitment to detail, accuracy, and professionalism. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with government officials, legal teams, external agencies, and the public. They will play a key role in managing disciplinary actions while also supporting the broader operational needs of the board under the guidance of the Executive Director. While currently a part-time role, this position may transition to a full-time based on evolving operational needs. The State of Tennessee offers full-time employee's competitive benefits, including hybrid and flexible remote work schedules; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; tuition assistance, retirement plans, employee discounts for personal purchases; free downtown parking; better-than-average sick and annual leave, and State holidays.

Job Overview:

The General Counsel for the Inmate Disciplinary Oversight Board reports directly to the Executive Director and plays a key role in ensuring legal compliance and oversight of board activities. This position requires a high degree of flexibility to meet agency demands, including the ability to report in person with little notice. The position is expected to be filled by a part-time professional, such as an individual from private practice, or as a 120-day employee compensated at an hourly rate. Flexibility in availability is essential due to the nature of agency operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Advise the Inmate disciplinary Oversight Board on professional licensure and disciplinary matters, while interpreting and applying applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and executive orders.
2. Review and analyze complaints and disciplinary actions to determine appropriate legal strategies, resolutions, or enforcement actions and represent the board in hearings, mediation, and settlement negotiations, ensuring legal compliance in all disciplinary matters.
3. Ensure board compliance with public records and open meeting laws, while monitoring legal, regulatory, and policy changes affecting disciplinary oversight, and recommending adjustments to board procedures and operations.
4. Guide board members on statutory responsibilities, ethics laws, open meetings compliance (Sunshine Law), and conflict of interest standards during official proceedings.
5. Prepare, review, and interpret contracts, memoranda, policies, and regulatory documents related to the Boards functions and inmate disciplinary processes.
6. Provide legal support for inmate disciplinary case reviews, ensuring due process and procedural fairness in accordance with Tennessee Department of Corrections guidelines.
7. Liaise with the Attorney General's Office, Department of Corrections, and other relevant agencies on matters involving legal risk, litigation, or policy changes affecting the Board.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
2. Admission to the Tennessee Bar and eligibility to practice law in Tennessee.
3. A minimum of 3+ years of legal experience, including significant experience in administrative law, regulatory affairs, or disciplinary oversight.
4. Prior experience working in a government or regulatory agency is highly preferred.
5. Strong knowledge of state and federal laws governing professional licensure, regulatory compliance, and administrative proceedings.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to diverse audiences.
7. Expertise in managing complex legal cases, including investigative processes, hearings, and legal settlements.
8. Ability to navigate sensitive or high-profile cases with professionalism, discretion, and a focus on fairness.
9. Proven leadership, organizational, and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assist in managing a complex, multi-faceted regulatory agency.
10. High level of integrity and professionalism, with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.