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- Job Responsibilities
- Are you an experienced professional looking for new opportunities to further your career? The SC Department of Children's Advocacy is seeking a hardworking and dependable candidate just like you to apply! This position will offer great benefits with the state, including 15 days of annual and sick leave per year or more depending on applicable state service.Serves as staff attorney for the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program and assists the GAL Program with the development of program policy and program improvements regarding court-appointed special advocates for children. Stays abreast of pending legislation, and all laws relevant to child welfare. Trains program staff on matters related to the execution of the legal duties of a volunteer GAL and the role of the appointed contract attorney as mandated in the SC Children's Code. Assists contract attorneys and facilities and coordinates training based on their needs. Performs other duties as assigned through the GAL Program.
Responsibilities of the Staff Attorney:
Employee will exercise a high level of independence in decision making and problem solving. Must possess administrative skills necessary to multi-task without the assistance of a paralegal. Employee will work with limited supervision and assistance, with oversight by Managing Attorney and by the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program. Must demonstrate sound judgment, extreme discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school, membership in the South Carolina bar, and significant experience as a practicing attorney. Must have knowledge of the SC Children's code as it relates child abuse and neglect actions and the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program. Ability to train staff and acts as a program resource for contract attorneys. Excellent oral and written communications and advocacy skills.- Provides legal representation for counties when contract attorney is unavailable and/or unable to find coverage.
- Establishes and strengthens relationships with internal staff and other agencies and organizations consistent with DCA’s and GAL Program’s mission, vision and goals while using discretion and adhering to confidentiality laws.
- Provides and monitors trainings for contract attorneys and GAL staff and volunteers.
- Assists Managing Attorney with reviewing and analyzing regional and statewide data and reports regarding trends, concerns and progress which are relevant to legal advocacy regarding safety, permanence and wellbeing for children.
- Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Minimum and Additional Requirements
- A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney. Licensed as an attorney at least 2 years. Licensed to practice law in South Carolina.
Additional Requirements:- Position may require overnight travel.
- Position may require employee to work evenings and weekends.
- Position requires routine driver duties.
- Position requires frequent stooping and/or bending.
- Position requires non-essential declaration.
- Position may be required to report to work during emergency situations.
- Hours of work in excess of a routine 37.5 hours per week work schedule may be required. The necessity for such work is dictated by circumstances and assignments. Travel may be required to inspect sites throughout the State of South Carolina. Must have a valid SC class "D" driver's license.
- Additional Comments
The SC Department of Children's Advocacy is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
The SC Department of Children's Advocacy offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:
- Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
- 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
- 15 days sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available (S.C. Deferred Compensation)
- Retirement benefit choices*
- State Retirement Plan (SCRS)
- State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
- $56,210 - $104,000/year
