Attorney I

Open Recruitment Until Filled Position(s) located in the Legal Division. PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION The primary purpose of this position is legal representation for the agency in all aspects of Social Services Law with the emphasis on Child Welfare Law, Juvenile Court, and Adult Services. This attorney will work with the social workers to prepare cases for trial and will be responsible for representing the agency primarily in district court and before the Clerk of Superior Court. The workload is large and the demands intense in the juvenile law area. Deadlines are set by statute and must be followed from the filing of petitions through adjudication, disposition, and permanency for children in the custody of the agency. Appeals of Juvenile cases must be anticipated. DUTIES Consult with social workers in the filing of petitions, preparing the cases for trial, and in the follow-up hearings required for establishing permanency for children who have been removed from their homes. Ensure that all deadlines are met, including hearings and the filing of all orders within the required time frames. Provide legal assistance to Adult Protective Services for Protective Orders in district court and guardianship matters before the Clerk of Court. Work with staff on non‑court matters where legal counsel is needed and assist in the interpretation of federal and state laws and regulations. Research may often be required in rendering legal opinions for other units in the agency, including Economic Services and Business Operations; memorandums of law may be required. Maintain effective working relationships with the public, lawyers in adversarial roles, and other persons contacted during representation of the agency. Assist in training social workers to be witnesses in court. Represent the agency on various committees and assist with special projects. MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Graduation from a recognized school of law. EXPERIENCE, PREFERRED Litigation experience in juvenile law and practice, and appeals. NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATION License to practice law in the State of North Carolina. A writing sample will be required upon request. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS Must have knowledge of case, statutory, common law and regulations; working knowledge of judicial procedures and Rules of Evidence. Must be able to prepare complex cases for trial, litigate in district and superior courts, prepare appeal briefs and argue cases in the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court. Must communicate clearly and professionally (written and oral), handle adversarial trials, and effectively maintain a large caseload. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Each applicant selected will be subject to a mandatory drug test; refusal to submit or a positive result may result in withdrawal of the conditional offer. Law enforcement background and fingerprint check is required. Must have or be able to obtain a valid North Carolina driver’s license. This position will be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. Adherence to the department’s dress code policy, including guidelines related to tattoos and body piercings, is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr