Social Services Attorney

Performs difficult professional work providing legal representation to the Department of Social Services in civil actions for the protection of children and disabled adults, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Social Services Director.

This posting is for 2 vacancies.

Our core values—Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty—are the foundation of our work and the standard by which we operate. As a member of our team, you are expected to demonstrate these values in every aspect of your role. This means delivering high-quality work, taking responsibility for your actions, providing exceptional service, and maintaining integrity in all interactions. Your commitment to these principles is essential to fostering a positive workplace culture and ensuring the success of our organization and the community we serve. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Represents Social Services on legal matters including : writing briefs, preparing oral arguments, preparing pleadings, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, interpreting court orders, presenting cases in court, and defending cases on appeal.
• Prepares and presents cases in court related to child and adult protective service.
• Prepares and drafts petitions, motions, appeals, and legal memoranda in preparation for court; conducts legal research; drafts court orders.
• Subpoenas witnesses, compiles discovery, and prepares witnesses for court.
• Advises and counsels agency staff on legal issues and responsibilities includes providing legal updates to staff on statutory responsibilities and changes to the law.
• Addresses legal inquiries from the public.
• Represents Social Services in quasi-judicial hearings and meetings.
• Prepares post adjudication case plans by devising strategies to implement a safe, permanent home for children in custody of the agency at the earliest possible date.
• Reviews contracts and various legal agreements.
• Responsible for the supervision of assigned members of the Administrative Assistant - Legal Services staff.
• Performs assigned functions as a Disaster Ready Team (DRT) member, if appointed or volunteer.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Comprehensive knowledge of local, state and federal laws and court decisions affecting Social Services in North Carolina; thorough knowledge of standard office procedures, practices and equipment; ability to present complex ideas effectively orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Social Services Staff, clients, and the general public; ability to handle complex trial and appellate litigation; ability to prepare and render complex legal opinions; skilled in legal writing, grammar and legal terminology; skilled in analyzing data and drawing conclusions; skilled in researching information, writing legal documents and preparing correspondence; skilled in counseling and advising parties; skilled in interpreting and applying laws and regulations; skilled in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction; ability to read and understand legal reports; and the ability to negotiate settlements. Must have thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, practices and references utilized in legal research; thorough knowledge of legal office procedures and practices.

Education and Experience

Juris Doctorate and moderate experience as a practicing attorney, preferably with some experience in law related to Social Services or family law.

Special Requirements

Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina and possession of all other qualifications as prescribed by State statute

Valid driver's license to operate County vehicles

Physical Requirements

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, walking, sitting and speaking or hearing; occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and / or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and / or small parts, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a quiet location (e.g. private offices).

Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, and market considerations.

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