Associate Attorney

Legal Advisor For Department Of Social Services

Salary Range: $83,960 - $125,939 This is an exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

The success of Mecklenburg County rests on strong, competent talent at all levels of the organization. The County Manager's Office is responsible for executing the policy decisions of the Board of County Commissioners and leading the County organization by overseeing the administration of County departments. If you enjoy working with the public and are looking for a career where your work is important to the community, come be a part of Mecklenburg County Government and help us provide a community of pride and choice for people to live, learn, work, and recreate.

Position Summary

Provide legal advice and representation to the Department of Social Services, Office of Youth and Family Services (YFS). This position, under direct supervision, is responsible for basic formal and informal legal opinions and drafts a variety of legal documents with varying degrees of complexity.

Essential Functions

• Meet with staff to discuss case history; assess the strengths and weakness
• Review information and provide feedback as appropriate
• Provide legal guidance and direction as necessary; determine what information constitutes as admissible evidence
• Prepare legal pleadings and other trial documents
• Determine what witnesses are needed for court and issue appropriate subpoenas
• Review court documents and recommend revisions as appropriate
• Represent department in all phases of the court proceedings, in mediations and on appellate matters
• Advocate on behalf of the department applying the known facts and rules of evidence to obtain a favorable outcome in the case
• Complete and submit all court orders within the requisite time frame
• Communicate with the clerk of the court, staff and other attorneys regarding the scheduling of cases
• Refer more complex issues through chain of command to more senior attorney up to department director
• Provides legal guidance and opinions to the YFS agency
• Provides training to agency staff on child abuse and neglect laws and process

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: No experience required Education: Juris Doctorate (J.D.); graduation from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in North Carolina Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: No

Licenses and Certifications

Licensed to practice law in North Carolina Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License Must obtain and maintain a Mecklenburg County Operator's Permit

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of abuse and neglect law, process and procedures Litigation skills

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Rules of evidence, civil procedures, and appellate procedures Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations General rules of court Criminal law principles Research methods Current case law and court decisions Mediation techniques Applicable substantive area of law Working knowledge of subject matter

Skills Active Listening Talking to others to convey information effectively Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents

Abilities Building Strategic Work Relationships Building Trust Collaboration Communication Decision Making Formal Presentations Negotiation Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions satisfactorily. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor's request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.