POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSOCIATE/SENIOR ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL
(Healthcare & Litigation) (Springfield, IL)
OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
TITLE/RANK: Southern Illinois University (SIU or University) invites applications for the position of Associate/Senior Associate General Counsel for Healthcare and Litigation.
LOCATION: Springfield, Illinois
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Associate/Senior Associate General Counsel for Healthcare and Litigation is charged with providing advice and support to the SIU Board of Trustees, President, SIU Carbondale Chancellor, Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine, and other administrators, faculty, and staff, primarily on the SIU School of Medicine Springfield campus, serving as a primary advisor related to healthcare litigation matters. The primary responsibilities for this position are to coordinate services of outside counsel and participate in the defense of litigation involving healthcare practitioners of the School of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine; represent the University and its employees in judicial and administrative proceedings; serve as chair of the Risk Management Committee of the School of Medicine and serve on and advise other committees as assigned; provide advice and counsel to administrators, healthcare practitioners, and other employees on a wide range of legal issues impacting the University, address areas of risk or loss resulting from developments in the law or activities of the School of Medicine; provide advice and counsel to administrators and staff regarding various statutes and regulations, including, without limitation, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Illinois Mental Health and Confidentiality Act; provide advice and counsel to healthcare practitioners regarding medical records and documentation; provide educational programs related to risk management; and provide advice and counsel concerning medical research. Other responsibilities include drafting and reviewing hold harmless agreements, assumption of risk forms and other agreements and legal documents; providing advice and guidance on subpoena responses; reviewing and drafting policies and guidelines; maintaining up-to-date knowledge of various healthcare and academic regulatory and compliance matters; performing legal research; and performing other duties as assigned. If the successful candidate is hired as the Sr. Associate, the position will serve as administrative head of the Office of General Counsel at the School of Medicine campus. This position reports to the General Counsel and will be located at the university’s Springfield campus. Occasional travel is required, including, but not limited, to the other university campuses in Edwardsville and Carbondale.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: (a) Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school; (b) at least seven (7) years of experience in the licensed practice of law in areas congruent with healthcare and demonstrated success in the area of medical malpractice defense; (c) a strong academic and civic record; (d) excellent oral and written communication skills; (e) exceptional judgment, legal research skills, analytical problem solving abilities, and ability to negotiate; (f) the highest ethical standards, integrity, and trustworthiness; (g) the ability and enthusiasm to work in a team-oriented environment with an emphasis on collaboration but also with the ability to work independently; (h) the demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues; (i) the ability to oversee and coordinate activities of outside counsel; (j) the ability to manage multiple and changing priorities; and (k) admission to the Bar of the State of Illinois or within three (3) months of appointment to the position. Demonstrable experience with, and knowledge of, risk management is strongly preferred. Possession of a secondary degree in a health related field, such as nursing, is also preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in areas of healthcare compliance and regulation. Prior experience with legal issues related to operation of an academic medical center is preferred.
This is a security-sensitive position. Before any offer of employment is made, the University will conduct a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a criminal background check.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: While application materials will be accepted until the position is filled, review of complete applications will begin June 26, 2017.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit a letter of application, resume, writing sample, and contact information for at least three references to (electronic submissions preferred):
Cindy Weiskopf, Office Administrator
Southern Illinois University
801 N Rutledge
PO Box 19619
Springfield, Illinois 62794
Telephone: (217) 545-9362
cweiskopf@siumed.edu
SIU is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.