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Child Welfare 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.

Will be required to be available for rotating on-call work on evenings and weekends. 

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. 
  •  Position Responsibilities:Collaborates with social work staff in determining case plans for children in the Department's custody
  • 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 services
  • 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
  • Supervises legal assistant
  • Provides training to social work staff on various topics to include court preparation and testimony
  • Performs assigned functions as a Disaster Ready Team (DRT) member, if appointed or volunteer
  • Performs related tasks as required
 Qualifications: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, Experience, and Special Requirements:Juris Doctorate and moderate experience as a practicing attorney, preferably with some experience in law related to Social Services or family law.

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

Must possess a valid Driver's License.

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

In order to be considered for this position, your final transcript showing the date your degree was awarded and/or any required certificates or licenses must be uploaded with your application even if you are a current employee or we have received it with a previous application.