Attorney II - Department of Health and Human Services

Buncombe County•Asheville, NC

2d•Hybrid

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. This litigation-focused position reports directly to the Supervising Attorney and includes an assigned caseload and designated court weeks. The Attorney II represents the Agency in court proceedings, advises and advocates for clients, drafts legal documents, and conducts some appellate work. The team includes 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 under the County's remote policy. Employees approved for remote work must live within a two-hour drive of their assigned Buncombe County facility. The schedule is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional on-call requirements. The position will be filled as soon as practical.

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.
Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to Social Services.
Thorough knowledge of civil law principles and procedures, 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 in the general practice of law with trial experience.
Experience in family and juvenile law.
Experience working with the Juvenile Code.

Responsibilities

Prepare for and conduct complex courtroom and administrative litigation.
Negotiate settlements.
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 or oversee the drafting of orders by Paralegal staff.
Provide training to staff regarding court processes and procedures.
Represent the Agency through court proceedings and advise and advocate for clients.
Perform other related duties as assigned.