Attorney V / 61151859

Do you have a passion to provide meaningful contributions to your community?  Would you like to be part of an organization whose central mission is helping to protect, stabilize and strengthen the lives of South Carolina's children, families, and vulnerable adults?  If so, the SC Department of Social Services has the right job opportunity for you!

Job Duties:

• The Attorney V manages legal activities of all DSS county-based Attorneys through DSS Regional Managing Attorneys and Regional Senior Trial Attorneys; provide legal advice, support and training to county attorneys; manage agency Legal Case Management System (LCMS); represent DSS in Federal, State and administrative tribunals as needed; serve as liaison with other state and federal agencies and with individuals on local matters.

• Supervises and oversees the County-based Attorneys representing county and regional agency office staff. Advises and coaches regional and county attorneys on complex, sensitive matters. Develops and revises form contracts to secure the services of associate counsel when needed for handling litigation volume statewide. Develops, documents, and monitors a system for substitute counsel within the DSS attorney system to meet the needs of the litigation volume. Studies and monitors the system for compensation and support services for DSS county attorneys. Advises DSS executive management of resources necessary for county attorneys to include compensation, support staff, legal research resources and office environment. Develops and implements expectations, and provides data, coaching, and training so that county DSS attorneys develop and maintain supportive and effective relationships with county/regional program staff and administration. Provides advice and assistance to county DSS attorneys. Provides consultation and other assistance on a routine and emergency basis.

• Coordinates training for county DSS attorneys, oversees development of legal forms, templates and manuals for attorney usage, provides interpretations and information on developments in law and DSS policy/procedure. Provides project management of the Legal Case Management System (LCMS); tracks the overall budget, scope progress and deliverables from software provider; assures DSS is in compliance with the terms of the grant provided for the LCMS system; interacts with Court Administration related to the grant; tracks and monitors expenditures; trains staff on the use of LCMS database; develops methods and tools for the system oversight of LCMS.

• Consults with county/regional offices and family court clerks and Judges to develop and sustain mutually beneficial relationships between county/regional DSS offices and the family courts, including, but not limited to assisting with problem-solving in docketing, scheduling and allocation of court time. Assists county/regional offices with strategies to identify and overcome barriers in the legal process that affect timely permanency and safety for children in CPS and foster care.  

• Performs Red Cross shelter duty or other emergency shelter duty or services as directed.

Agency Requirements:
A Juris Doctor Degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and three (3) years experience as a practicing attorney.

Necessary Special Requirement: Must be a member of the SC BAR.

Experience as a DSS Attorney preferred.

Thorough knowledge of the laws of SC & Federal statutes and regulations governing the various program areas. Thorough knowledge of policies, standards & procedures of the Office of General Counsel. Thorough knowledge of general case, statutory & common law & of judicial & quasi-judicial procedures & rules of procedure, including ethics considerations. The ability to interpret statues, regulations and judicial decisions; and to analyze factual circumstances within the framework of controlling statues, regulations and judicial decisions. The ability to express orally and in writing, factual and legal conclusions & arguments clearly and cogently

This application for employment with the SC Department of Social Services must be completed in its entirety.  A resume may be included; but shall not be substituted in lieu of the completion of this application in part or in whole.  "See Resume" is not acceptable information for the completion of any part of the requirements of this application.  If such is submitted, this employment application will be considered incomplete and may not be forwarded as eligible for consideration to hiring managers.

Must possess a valid driver's license. The employee must be able to communicate effectively (written and orally) and write legibly. May be required to work after hours and/or some overnight travel and must be able to lift approximately 15-20 lbs.

If you certify, by completion and submission of this application, that you possess educational credentials that qualify you for the available DSS positions, you will be required to provide a certified official transcript, if you are selected for job offer.
 
The South Carolina Department of Social Services offers an exceptional benefits package that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vison, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs