STAFF ATTORNEY - DSS DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (1)

Compensation $91,602 - $119,083 *Compensation Based on Experience* Position Overview Cleveland County is seeking a Department of Social Services Staff Attorney to help protect children, support families, and empower those who need it most. This role provides comprehensive legal services for the Department of Social Services, including interpreting and applying laws and regulations, representing the department in hearings and court proceedings, and advising staff on legal matters. Responsibilities Prepares for and conducts courtroom and administrative litigation, appellate litigation, negotiates settlements, and prepares legal opinions on rules and operations of the Social Services Division. Manages juvenile court caseload, child support enforcement caseload, and/or adult welfare court caseload as needed. Provides backup for other County DSS attorneys in all courts in which Social Services are involved. Prepares legal documents such as petitions, motions, and appeals. Drafts court orders. Provides training to staff regarding court processes and procedures. Assists the Departmental Director in policy development and training of employees within the Department. The responsibilities and duties outlined above are intended to provide a general outline and summary of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed, with or without notice, to meet the needs of the department and county. Qualifications Graduation from a recognized school of law, at least one (1) year of professional legal experience, and requires a license to practice law in North Carolina and all other qualifications prescribed by State Statute. Prior experience practicing child welfare, juvenile court or social services setting preferred but not required. Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record. North Carolina requires completion of 6 hours of training addressing State and Federal child welfare law and procedures prior to representing the County Department of Social Services in proceedings. Key Skills Strong knowledge of legal principles, administrative and constitutional law, the structure of North Carolina county government, and thorough knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes. Proven ability to interpret, analyze, and apply legal principles to governmental issues. Skilled in drafting rules, legal opinions, and proposed legislation. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships while collaborating with courts, public officials, and the community. Able to clearly and persuasively present facts, legal arguments, and recommendations. Work Environment This position may require regular travel for court appearances, meetings, and trainings. Work is performed in the Cleveland County Department of Social Services Office location and courtroom setting. Benefits 401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Job Type Full-time Work Location In person Additional Information Individuals hired must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Cleveland County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. This position is a part of the Cleveland County Public Health Center which is considered a Health and Human Services Department. By General Statue 166A-19.3, Departments of Health and Human Services are agencies that are a part of the State Emergency Response Team for occurrences or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made accidental, military, paramilitary, terrorism, weather‑related, public health, explosion‑related, riot‑related cause, or technological failure or accident, including, but not limited to, a cyber incident, an explosion, a transportation accident, a radiological accident, or a chemical or other hazardous material incident. In the event that the State Emergency Response Team is activated, this position will be required to participate if deemed necessary. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cleveland County