Attorney II - Department of Health and Human Services
About The Position
Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services is hiring an Attorney II 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. This litigation-focused position reports directly to the Supervising Attorney and includes an assigned caseload and designated court weeks. The attorney will represent the Agency in court proceedings, advise and advocate for clients, respond to Social Workers’ questions, draft legal documents, and conduct some appellate work. The role manages a Juvenile Court caseload and works with a team consisting of a Supervising Attorney, three Staff Attorney IIs, one Staff Attorney I, and support staff. The position is located at the Buncombe County Courthouse and allows a hybrid in-person/remote option consistent with Buncombe County’s remote policy. Employees approved for remote work must live within a two-hour drive of the position’s assigned Buncombe County facility. The schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional on-call requirements. The position is expected to be filled as soon as practical, with the goal of having the candidate ready to take over with their assigned judge upon hiring.
Requirements
- Graduation from a recognized school of law and at least one 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.
- Litigation experience.
- Experience in the general practice of law with trial experience.
- Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to Social Services.
- Thorough knowledge of the principles 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 use legal source materials and technical research.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with citizens, employees, and County officials.
- Ability to prepare correspondence, reports, legal briefs, petitions, motions, and other documents while conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with the Juvenile Code.
- Experience in family and juvenile law.
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 a Juvenile Court caseload.
- Prepare for and conduct complex appellate litigation.
- Prepare legal documents, including petitions, motions, and appeals.
- Draft court orders and/or oversee the drafting of orders by Paralegal staff.
- Represent the Agency through court proceedings.
- Advise and advocate for clients and field questions from Social Workers.
- Provide training to staff regarding court processes and procedures.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
