Deputy County Attorney

GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Guilford County is seeking a highly qualified and experienced attorney to serve as a Deputy County  Attorney with a primary focus on child welfare. This position will provide comprehensive legal representation to the Department of Health and Human Services- Social Services Division (DHHS-DSS), with a particular emphasis on child protective services, foster care, adoption, and juvenile court proceedings pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 7B. The ideal candidate will bring strong litigation skills, a thorough understanding of North Carolina’s child welfare legal framework, and a commitment to the mission of protecting vulnerable children.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class assists the County Attorney or Departmental Attorney in giving legal advice to assigned county departments and studying problems and cases affecting a particular county department. Work involves preparation and conduct of cases pending administrative hearings, trial before courts, or argument in appellate courts.  Employees answer questions concerning the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, policies, and ordinances.  Work is performed independently under the general supervision and direction of the County Attorney and is reviewed for soundness of approach and argument in the application of legal principles, and for effectiveness of results. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential Duties and Tasks

• Represent DHHS-DSS in all phases of abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings, including adjudications, permanency planning, terminations of parental rights, and appeals.
• Provide legal advice to DHHS-DSS staff on child welfare issues, including investigation, placement, reunification, permanency planning, and licensing.
• Draft or review petitions, motions, court orders, court reports, and any other documents as may be required for the facilitation of legal proceedings.
• Attend regular juvenile court sessions and collaborate with judicial and child welfare stakeholders.
• Advise on compliance with federal and state related to child welfare.
• Manage legal risks and maintain ethical and professional responsibility as required by the North Carolina State Bar.
• Perform related work as assigned
• Perform legal duties as assigned and requested by the County Attorney.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of general case, statutory and common law affecting county operations.
• Considerable knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules of evidence.
• Considerable knowledge of the organizational structure of county government.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws and court decisions.
• Ability to interpret laws to analyze legal situations, and to make recommendation that will resolve legal problems.
• Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written form.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the public an other person’s in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active licensure in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar.
• At least three (3) years of experience practicing law, with demonstrated experience in child welfare, family law, juvenile court, or related areas. Equivalent time worked as a third-year Certified Legal Intern, with a concentration in social services is considered applicable toward the three (3) year requirement.

Special Requirements

License to practice law in the State of North Carolina.

• Experience advising or representing a Department of Social Services in North Carolina.
• Knowledge of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and appellate practice.
• Strong courtroom advocacy, legal research, and writing skills.
• Familiarity with the operations of county government and public social services agencies preferred.

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 and 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.