Assistant Agency General Counsel II

Agency

Dept of Health and Human Services

Division

Secretary’s Office

Job Classification Title

Assistant Agency General Counsel II (NS)

Position Number

Grade

LG08

Description of Work

The Assistant Agency Counsel II position is responsible for providing legal counsel and support to the DHHS Division of Human Resources, specifically in the areas of employee relations, employment law, workplace compliance, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) matters. This position will provide legal guidance and operational support related to employee grievances, disciplinary and workplace matters, and the coordination, review, and preparation of responses to EEOC charges, complaints, investigations, and related employment matters. The position will work closely with Human Resources leadership, management, and the Office of General Counsel to support compliance and risk mitigation efforts associated with employment‑related legal issues.

This position will also serve as the primary coordinator for the development, legal review, revision, and oversight of departmental and divisional policies to ensure compliance with applicable federal laws, North Carolina statutes, administrative rules, and DHHS operational requirements. Responsibilities include providing legal guidance on policy interpretation and implementation, identifying legal and compliance risks, ensuring policies remain current and aligned with changes in law and operations, and supporting consistent application of policies across the Department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• EEOC case management experience: Demonstrated ability to independently manage EEOC charges from intake through resolution, including drafting position statements, coordinating investigations, and participating in mediation or settlement negotiations.
• Employment law advisory experience: Proven track record of interpreting and applying federal and North Carolina employment laws, administrative rules, and case law to provide legal advice on employee relations and EEO compliance matters.
• Policy development and legal compliance drafting: Experience reviewing, drafting, and revising organizational HR and EEO policies to ensure compliance with evolving statutory, regulatory, and case law requirements, including North Carolina‑specific requirements.
• Complex legal analysis and litigation support skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze statutes, regulations, constitutional provisions, and judicial/quasi‑judicial decisions to produce written legal recommendations and support case resolution strategy.
• Cross‑functional stakeholder and project management in high‑volume environments: Proven success managing multiple concurrent legal matters in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven settings while collaborating effectively with HR, compliance, project management, and IT/privacy/security stakeholders.

Salary Grade Range

$91,249.00 - $159,686.00

Recruitment Range

$91,249.00 - $115,000.00

Compensation and Benefits

The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, the NCFlex program, paid vacation, sick, community service leave, and paid parental leave. Employees also receive benefits under the NCFlex program and other state‑wide benefits.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities, known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.