Assistant City Solicitor - HIPAA and Privacy Law Unit

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.

We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The attorneys in the HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit counsel all City departments and subunits required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) Privacy Rule and Breach Notification Rule.  The Unit also direct and supports the City’s HIPAA privacy compliance program.  The HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit also coordinates and provides guidance on federal and state privacy laws that apply to all sectors of City government.  

Job Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department’s HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit seeks an entry-level privacy attorney to help provide guidance for the City’s health, public safety, and social services activities.   The Assistant City Solicitor will support the HIPAA & Privacy Law Unit’s advice and guidance to the City’s HIPAA-Covered Units and other City departments regarding federal and state privacy laws and regulations.  The position provides an exciting opportunity to work with individuals at all levels of City government and significantly impact the City’s privacy operations.

Essential Functions

Duties will include:

• Conducting research, drafting legal opinions, and analyzing legal issues related to HIPAA and other data privacy laws;
• Assisting in investigating and mitigating HIPAA incidents and addressing complaints concerning HIPAA privacy policies and processes;
• Assisting with creating and implementing HIPAA policies, training materials, and other HIPAA compliance tools;
• Advising clients on matters related to HIPAA and other data privacy laws.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards for the protection of health information.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and Pennsylvania privacy laws.
• Familiarity with data privacy laws and AI governance
• Knowledge of and familiarity with data incident response 
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.