Attorney I

The staff attorney is a professional level position that provides legal consultation and representation regarding activities of the Craven County Department of Social Services.

75% Children’s Services

• Consultation with staff as to appropriate legal action to be taken in child protective services, permanency planning, child custody, child support, termination of parental rights, adoptions, and other services directed by the Department to protect children and their rights.
• Keep staff advised of review dates for court reviews.
• Prepare cases for court action.
• Draft legal documents for the Department, such as Complaints, Petitions, Summonses, Subpoenas, Motions, and Orders of the Court.
• Assemble evidence and witnesses, present arguments or briefs representing the agency’s position to the Court.
• Handle appeals.

10% Adult Services

• Consult with staff as to appropriate legal action to be taken in adult protective services, guardianship, commitments, and other services directed by the Department to protect disabled adults and their property and legal rights.
• Prepare cases for court action.
• Draft legal documents for the Department, such as Complaints, Petitions, Summonses, Subpoenas, Motions, and Orders for the Court.
• Assemble evidence and witnesses, present arguments or briefs representing the agency’s position to the court.
• Prepare and submit to the Clerk of Court annual accountings for clients to whom the Department acts as Guardian.
• Represents the Department in Cases on Appeal.

7% Administration

• In Director’s and Assistant Director’s absence, respond to requests for information from County and State officials, including the DSS Board, County Management, and Division of Social Services Staff.
• Assure flow of mail and time-critical information in Director’s and Assistant Director’s absence.
• Assist Deputy Director with media requests in Director’s absence.
• Provide consultation to Deputy Director and Program Managers in Director’s absence.
• Provide legal research and advice to Director regarding the Department’s operation, policies and other areas of concern.
• Assist Director in development of contracts, purchase agreements, and on fiscal matters to ensure that the Department’s actions conform with the law.
• Represent the Department in litigation.
• Provide legal advice for the Board of Directors of the Craven County Department of Social Services.
• Provide oversight and consultation in areas of potential liability.
• This position also assists in disaster relief efforts that includes but is not limited to shelter duty. Assignment to emergency shelter duty during times of potentially dangerous or manmade disasters is an essential function of this position and you shall be required to fulfill these duties when instructed. Position may perform other duties as assigned by the Director and Deputy Director.
• Engage in Study and training in the areas of law that affect the Department.
• Assist members of the legal community to understand areas of service that the Department provides.

3% Public Assistance

• Consult with staff on cases of suspected fraud and when appropriate, prepare cases for civil prosecution.
• Provide interpretation of legal documents.
• Provide consultation regarding legal issues.

3% Personnel

• Provide consultation for Director and Program Managers regarding employment issues.
• Draft provisions for the Department’s personnel manual and provides advice regarding the legality of the document’s many provisions.
• Provide advice on the potential consequences of the various provisions of the personnel manual or other policies affecting the Department.
• Assist Director in preparation of negative personnel actions, employee grievances, and other employment issues.
• Provide advice and representation for the Department before the Employment Security Commission, State Personnel Commission, and in appeals from decisions of the above-named and any other administrative agencies.
• Draft complaints, Petitions, Summonses, Subpoenas, Motions, Orders of the Court, and any other necessary legal documents.
• Assemble evidence and witnesses, present arguments or briefs representing the Department’s position.

2% Training

• Provide instruction and training to staff in other areas as recommended by the Director or Program Managers.
• Assist members of the legal community to understand areas of service that the Department provides.
• Engage in study and training in the areas of law that affect the Department.

Must be licensed to practice law in N.C.
Graduation from an accredited law school, and two years of experience in the practice of law.
Preference will be given to candidates with a combination of three or more years of experience working in Chapter 7B DSS Civil Juvenile Court and Adult Guardianship cases.