Staff Attorney - Lucas County Child Support Division

Under the direction of the Legal and Administrative Program Manager or designee; the incumbent acts as a representative of the Child Support Agency in a legal capacity. The purpose of this position is to advise, assist, and represent the agency in the performance of its functions pertaining to the enforcement of child support orders through court actions; and to establish paternity and represent the agency in court when necessary.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Professionals in this category operate under the direction of  the Assistant Director, Legal  Division, or Managing Attorney, and act as a representative of the Agency in a legal capacity.
• Duties include representing the Agency and providing services to qualified recipients of these services at court hearings, interview situations, administrative hearings , and at other functions as assigned by the Legal Director/Managing Attorney, and as required by CSEM, statutes and regulations. The attorney acts primarily in establishing, collecting, enforcing all orders and modifying URESA support orders for service recipients.
• The attorney's duties will require and include practice in Federal Bankruptcy Court, Probate Court, Municipal Court, all divisions of Common Pleas Court, relevant appellate courts and whatever courts are necessary to fulfill assigned duties related to support functions.
• Duties also  include preparation and processing of criminal, both felony and misdemeanor, relating to the child support as required.
• Provide guidance to co-workers and members of the other divisions of the Agency.
• Conducts legal research and prepares and presents the case before the appropriate court.
• Prepares briefs, legal research. formal opinions and research for an on behalf of the Agency as it relates to their job responsibilities.
• Prepares cases for trial or hearings , drafts necessary pleadings, interviews prospective witnesses and depose and attend depositions, prepares witnesses for testimony and trial.
• Answers legal inquires from Agency staff, other governmental units or service recipients as appropriate to the general job responsibilities.
• Conducts negotiations with opposing attorneys or defendants concerning settlement of cases, prepares judgment entries, prepares appropriate orders in settled and disputed cases.
• Performs job related legal work as assigned.  Drafts legal documents relative to general job responsibilities. Provides information as  needed for preparation of statistical reports, including completing random moment surveys.
• Provides interpretation of legislation, laws, rules regulations, and other agreements relative to job responsibilities.
• Be familiar with CSEM as it relates to job responsibilities and corresponding job functions.
• The listing of duties, functions and courts is not intended to be exclusive, or exhaustive, but merely representative.

Graduate from an accredited law school. Admitted to the Ohio Bar for practice in this State pursuant to ORC 4705.01. Ability to communicate and interact with staff members and clients in a professional manner. Ability to prepare entries on time and within the limits established in the court rules. Ability to prepare a variety of simple legal documents, petitions, motions, and orders as needed to perform the functions of the CSEA. Basic knowledge of the judicial system, civil hearing procedure, and laws and rules applicable to the operation of the Agency.