Assistant County Solicitor (Procurement) - County of Berks

Berks County is a combination of rich farm country, industry, beautiful parks, entertainment, and top-notch educational institutions. Whether you are interested in County services, the availability of our parks, tax rates, or other County information, this is the place to start.

The salary range for this nonunion position is $91,633 - 137,449 a year.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position provides legal representation and advises the Board of Commissioners, as well as all departments and elected offices of the County on various issues including contract matters, liability, fiscal and litigation issues. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Provides advanced legal advice to County Departments, elected officials, and the Board of Commissioners on various issues including contract matters, liability issues, fiscal matters and litigation issues.
• Supervises the preparation of, drafts and reviews contracts, ordinances, and various other legal documents for the Board of Commissioners and other County departments involving the expenditure of County funds.
• Assists Purchasing in the drafting and reviewing procurement documents, including invitations to bid, requests for proposals and purchase orders involving the expenditure of County funds.
• Supervises the preparation of, drafts and reviews contracts developed as a result of the public procurement process in order to ensure that the County receives the most fiscally-responsible solution that meets the County’s needs.
• Reviews insurance and bonding requirements, consults with County’s insurance broker and advises County Departments, elected officials and the Board of Commissioners on insurance coverage and bonding issues.
• Reviews all County Policies on a regular schedule for compliance with applicable laws and regulations concerning fiscal and procurement matters.
• Reviews applicable procurement policies and procedures for the purpose of streamlining the procurement process and reducing County time and effort expended.  8.  Reviews and revises, as appropriate, all current County templates for the procurement process and other County contract templates.
• Acts as a liaison between the County, the public, County departments and outside vendors, contractors, and agencies on issues including ITBs, RFPs, contract matters, fiscal matters and County government procedures.
• Works with Human Resources to provide legal assistance on the development of policies to improve the overall operation of the County from a legal perspective. 
• Negotiates legal settlements on behalf of the County concerning contract disputes and procurement issues.
• Provides coverage for assistant county solicitors and paralegals as requested by Solicitor.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school
• Admission to the Pennsylvania Bar by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Three (3) years of experience in related legal field
• Specialized legal knowledge of Contract and Procurement Law. 
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Administrative Procedure. 
• Knowledge of local government organization and administration
• Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally, and in writing.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable rules, laws, ordinances and policies
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships. 
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, 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 the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds a distance of 15 feet or less.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment. Position requires regular travel to satellite County locations.  Incumbent needs access to 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.