Paralegal-DSS

GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Empower Successful People to thrive in a Strong Community supported by Quality Government

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Performs legal work assisting County staff attorneys in the performance of a wide variety of legal duties and services for all County departments.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class assists County staff attorneys in the County Legal Department in areas assigned to Juvenile Abuse, Neglect and Dependency Court, as assigned by staff attorneys. Work includes typing court orders, managing cases and records, researching issues involving NCGS Chapter 7B, assisting staff attorneys in investigating and preparing for miscellaneous litigation in which the County may be involved, communicating with parties to assigned cases, and reviewing and drafting various documents. Basic practical legal skills are required to perform the assigned duties. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Attorney, but Assistant Attorneys assign specific work. Work is evaluated chiefly by assignment results achieved and statutory deadlines (for example, court orders for juvenile matters must be filed no later than 30 days from the hearing date).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Tasks

• Maintain DSS juvenile case files:
  • Organize petitions, summonses, custody orders, court orders, motions, notices, court reports from social workers, medical/mental health records, and correspondence
  • Maintain electronic and paper files to support the attorney’s trial preparation
  • Track the status of each case from initial petition disposition, reviews, permanency planning, and possible termination of parental rights.
• Prepare Court Documents
  • Assist the assigned staff attorney with drafting or preparing petitions, motions, notices,  proposed orders, subpoenas, discovery-related documents, responses, exhibits, and witness lists
  • Proofread documents for accuracy, names, dates, case numbers, and statutory references
  • File documents via the ECourts e-filing/document platform
  • Assist staff attorneys in trial preparation in areas such as gathering exhibits for evidence, locating concerned parties, preparing documents for parties, arranging pre-trial interviews if necessary, and gathering special information such as recent DSS reports, medical records, placement information, service-provider records, and prior orders.
• Communication Skills:
  • Coordinate with DSS social workers to obtain updated case information, request missing documents and reports, and help ensure the attorney has current information before the hearings.
  • Conduct legal research as needed by the assigned staff attorney:

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of relevant legal terminology.
• Knowledge of legal research and investigation methodology.
• Working knowledge of relevant engineering and surveyor terminology and equipment.
• Working knowledge of local government structure and operations, emphasis on detailed knowledge of tax office, social services, administration and operations.
• Ability to read and understand legal documents such as contracts, deeds, claims, and opinions.
• Ability to prepare necessary records, reports and documents.
• Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree and one year of experience as a Paralegal.

Preferred: 

Associate degree in Paralegal Technology.

Physical Demands

Work is sedentary.  Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work.  However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts, driving an automobile, or use of a PCs or other VDTs to accomplish work objectives.  No specific physical demands required.  Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present

Working Conditions

1. Environment: Work environment involves normal, everyday discomforts or unpleasantness.  Work area has adequate light, heat, and ventilation; environment is organized and stable.
2. Hazards: Work presents no significant hazards to employees

May Require Driving
This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions.   Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver's license and that the driving record is compatible with the county's driving criteria.
If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County's vehicle use policy.
 

Special Note

This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements.  However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process.  They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.

Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation.  The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.