Paralegal II

Paralegal Position

This position is located in the Legal Section.

The primary purpose of the paralegal will be to assist with pre-trial preparation, post-trial production of documents (drafting of court orders), and work with cases appealed to the NC Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. The paralegal provides the initial screening for responding to legal questions from within and without the Agency. The paralegal is responsible for the tracking of children in the custody of the Agency, assuring required Court hearings are scheduled; assisting the attorney in court, and for the filing of court documents. The paralegal must assist the social worker in assessing the evidence gathered during the investigation and drafting of a proper Petition to be filed in Court; prepare and insure proper service of Summons, Subpoenas and Notices to the parties and their attorneys; assist the social worker in identifying necessary witnesses and insure their attendance; assure that reports to the court are timely prepared and filed; prepare orders at the direction of the attorney as directed by the judge in juvenile court in a timely manner to meet deadlines imposed by statute; coordinate with the Judge Advocate General at Fort Bragg for military witnesses and records. The paralegal identifies the need for and creates the necessary Motions and Orders to require mental health or physical examinations. The paralegal accompanies the attorney to Court and assists with the readiness of cases to be heard to include all parties and witnesses in the cases, may also have to contact professional witnesses on "phone-standby" and inform them that the Court is ready for them to come and testify; will also take notes on the case proceedings and on the orders issued by the Court to assist in the preparation of the written order. The paralegal is responsible in nearly all cases for drafting the written orders in juvenile court based on the Court's decisions. The proper distribution of orders, other court documents, and compliance with the Juvenile Court Rules is the responsibility of the paralegal. The paralegal is responsible for maintaining case files and other records, as required. Following established procedures is necessary for proper handling of all documentation and records. The paralegal must be able to assist Adult Services with Guardianship Petitions and Adult Protective Services petitions; including both the preparation of these petitions and the review of the documentation needed to support the Petitions; must be able to file and schedule the hearings in these matters, which includes communication and coordination with attorneys, the Clerk of Superior Court and/or District Court Judges. This position receives questions from both the staff and the general public regarding issues of child custody, child abuse and criminal law and must be able to research the issues involved using both legal research materials and Agency manuals to formulate answers, under the supervision of the Attorney. Must be able to evaluate information received from others and draft and/or revise petitions following the statutory requirements. Must be knowledgeable in the area of court appeals and be able to interpret the procedural requirements and be adept at following the statutory requirements and legal precedent. The performance of all these activities must be supervised by a licensed attorney.

Cumberland County offers a generous benefit plan including a Government Retirement Plan, 12 paid holidays per year and an Employee Wellness Center Clinic.