Attorney II - Social Work

Buncombe County Government • Asheville, NC

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Buncombe County offers in-office, hybrid, and remote positions. Employees in positions that are approved for remote work must work at a location within a 2-hour drive from the position's assigned Buncombe County facility. Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services is hiring for an Attorney II position. This position will be a litigation-focused role, reporting directly to the Supervising Attorney, with an assigned caseload and designated court weeks. Typical tasks for the role include litigation, drafting court documents, and fielding questions from Social Workers. The schedule is 8AM – 5PM Monday through Friday, with occasional on-call requirements. This position does allow for a hybrid in-person/remote option, consistent with Buncombe County’s remote policy. This position will include drafting legal documents, representing the Agency through court proceedings, advocating for clients, and some appellate work. Our team is comprised of a Supervising Attorney, 3 Staff Attorney IIs, one Staff Attorney, and a support staff that assists with document preparation and additional services. This position will be filled as soon as practical, with the goal of having the candidate ready to take over with their assigned judge upon hiring. We are looking for someone who is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, and trial experience is a must. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with the Juvenile Code, through Abuse/Neglect/Dependency actions. Why should you apply for this job? Buncombe County makes an 8% contribution to employees’ 401(k) with no employee match required, in addition to being a member of the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS) pension plan. This position works 40 hours a week, with minimal hours over 40. We also have a first-in-class health insurance plan which is as little as $23.45 per paycheck or $11 per paycheck for the high deductible plan. Purpose of the position: The purpose of this position is to serve as legal counsel and provide a full range of legal services for cases associated with the Department of Social Services of Buncombe County.

Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized school of law and at least one (1) year of professional legal experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Possession of a license to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal law and regulations pertaining to Social Services.
• Thorough knowledge of the principals and procedures of civil law, especially as related to child protective services and adult protective services.
• Thorough knowledge of the functions and powers of the Health and Human Services Board.
• Considerable knowledge of legal research and investigation methodology, judicial procedures, and rules of evidence.
• General knowledge of County government structures and operations.
• Skill in preparing and presenting court cases.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and court decisions; and to use legal source materials and technical research.
• Ability to communicate effectively with citizens, employees, and County officials both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare correspondence, reports, legal briefs, petitions, motions, and other documents and conform to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the general practice of law with trial experience
• Experience in family and juvenile law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for and conduct complex courtroom and administrative litigation, negotiate settlements, and prepare legal opinions on rules and operations of the Social Work Division.
• Manage Juvenile Court caseload.
• Prepare for and conduct complex appellate litigation.
• Prepare legal documents such as petitions, motions, and appeals.
• Draft court orders and/or oversee the drafting of orders by Paralegal staff.
• Provide training to staff regarding court processes/procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Buncombe County makes an 8% contribution to employees’ 401(k) with no employee match required, in addition to being a member of the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS) pension plan.
• This position works 40 hours a week, with minimal hours over 40.
• We also have a first-in-class health insurance plan which is as little as $23.45 per paycheck or $11 per paycheck for the high deductible plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed