Attorney III

Are you an experienced professional looking for new opportunities to further your career? The SC Department of Children's Advocacy is seeking a hardworking and dependable candidate to apply. This position offers great benefits with the state, including 15 days of annual and sick leave per year, or more depending on applicable state service. Responsibilities The candidate will serve as counsel for designated children who are interested parties in abuse and neglect legal proceedings involving the Department of Social Services. The attorney will provide direct representation for the children to whom s/he is appointed and will provide legal advice and representation regarding issues affecting safety, permanency and well‑being. Attends hearings and staffing's; tries complex and difficult cases; advises agency officials on policy questions and operating problems having legal implications; prepares pleadings, motions, orders, and appellate briefs when necessary. The employee will exercise a high level of independence in decision making and problem solving. Must possess administrative skills necessary to multi‑task without the assistance of a paralegal. Employee will work with limited supervision and assistance, with oversight by the State Child Advocate and Deputy Child Advocate or designee(s). Must demonstrate sound judgment and discretion and must maintain confidentiality. The position may require hours of work in excess of a routine 37.5 hours per week; travel may be required to attend hearings throughout the State of South Carolina; must have a valid SC class D driver's license. Research legal matters and provide timely and quality legal counsel for children. Serve as the legal liaison regarding direct representation or counsel for children on behalf of the Department of Children's Advocacy. Demonstrate understanding and competency regarding child‑specific legal matters in the representation of children who are involved in abuse and neglect dependency proceedings, including interpretation of laws, policies and procedures; current and pending legislation; case law; and court orders that may impact representation of children. Keeps abreast of relevant state and federal child welfare law and policies and their interpretations and applications by other state agencies. Create, track, and maintain data and prepare and provide reports for the Department of Children's Advocacy and other agencies and organizations regarding direct representation of children to measure outcomes for children through direct representation. Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney with court experience. Licensed as an attorney in good standing at least 2 years. Must have at least five (5) years of experience. Must have Rule 403 requirements and licensed to practice law in South Carolina. Must be licensed to practice law in South Carolina and be in good standing with the S.C. Bar. The employee should have knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. The employee should have knowledge of general case, statutory and common law specifically regarding child abuse and neglect dependency proceedings. The employee should have knowledge of judicial and quasi‑judicial procedures and rules of guidance. The employee should have the ability to interpret and apply laws in court decisions. The employee should have the ability to analyze facts, evidence and legal instruments. The employee should have the ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically. The employee should have the ability to plan and direct the activities of a legal staff. The position may require overnight travel. The position may require employee to work evenings and weekends. The position requires routine driver duties. The position requires frequent stooping and/or bending. The position requires Essential declaration. The position may be required to report to work during emergency situations. Benefits Health, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year 15 days sick leave per year 13 paid holidays Paid Parental Leave S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available Retirement benefit choices: State Retirement Plan (SCRS) State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP) *Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay. SC Department of Children's Advocacy is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr