Social Services Attorney

Onslow County•Jacksonville, NC

About The Position

The Social Services Attorney provides legal representation to the Department of Social Services in civil actions involving the protection of children and disabled adults, along with related duties. The position works under the general direction of the Social Services Director and is one vacancy. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the organization’s core values of Resilience, Excellence, Accountability, Customer Service, and Honesty. The attorney handles child and adult protective-services matters, including litigation, court appearances, legal research and drafting, staff counseling, public inquiries, quasi-judicial proceedings, and review of contracts and agreements. The role also includes supervising assigned Administrative Assistant - Legal Services staff and preparing post-adjudication case plans intended to help children in agency custody achieve a safe, permanent home as early as possible. The position may also perform assigned Disaster Ready Team functions if appointed or volunteering. The position requires a Juris Doctorate, moderate experience practicing law, a license to practice in North Carolina, and a valid driver’s license for operating County vehicles. Salary is determined based on qualifications, internal equity, and market considerations. The work is generally performed in a quiet location such as a private office and has no exposure to environmental conditions. It includes frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds, as well as regular standing, walking, sitting, and speaking or hearing.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate.
Moderate experience as a practicing attorney.
Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
Possession of all other qualifications prescribed by State statute.
Valid driver’s license to operate County vehicles.
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; legal research principles, methods, practices, and references; and legal office procedures and practices.
Ability to present complex ideas effectively orally and in writing; handle complex trial and appellate litigation; prepare and render complex legal opinions; establish and maintain effective working relationships; analyze data and draw conclusions; research information and prepare legal documents and correspondence; counsel and advise parties; interpret and apply laws and regulations; read and understand legal reports; and negotiate settlements.
Skills in legal writing, grammar, and legal terminology, as well as communication and interpersonal interaction sufficient to exchange information and receive work direction.

Nice To Haves

Experience in law related to Social Services or family law.

Responsibilities

Represent Social Services in legal matters, including writing briefs, preparing oral arguments and pleadings, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, interpreting court orders, presenting cases in court, and defending cases on appeal.
Prepare and present child and adult protective-services cases in court.
Prepare and draft petitions, motions, appeals, legal memoranda, and court orders; conduct legal research.
Subpoena witnesses, compile discovery, and prepare witnesses for court.
Advise and counsel agency staff on legal issues and responsibilities, including providing updates on statutory responsibilities and changes in the law.
Address legal inquiries from the public.
Represent Social Services in quasi-judicial hearings and meetings.
Prepare post-adjudication case plans to develop strategies for achieving a safe, permanent home for children in agency custody at the earliest possible date.
Review contracts and other legal agreements.
Supervise assigned Administrative Assistant - Legal Services staff.
Perform assigned functions as a Disaster Ready Team member if appointed or volunteering.
Perform related tasks as required.