Attorney I

This position is a fast paced, subject sensitive position that requires being on-call and working outside of typical business hours.  It requires the ability to learn quickly, multi task across multi diverse areas of the law and be self-directed.  There are stringent deadlines and timeframes that must be meet to assure the best interests of children and families as well as to avoid negative financial consequences.   You will work more than 40 hours per week and may have to work late or come in early with little notice. 

Provides legal advice, advocacy and representation to the Alamance County Department of Social Services (DSS) and its various units on legal matters and represents DSS in court for adult protective services, child protective services, child support, personnel and various other areas.  Ensures all legal mandates are met.  Interprets federal and state statutes, regulations and policies and advises staff on how to comply with same.  Handles district court, administrative hearings, as well as appellate level work.  Assists in training DSS staff regarding relevant laws, local rules, policies, and procedures.  Is a representative of DSS on various committees and a liaison with community partners and stakeholders.

• Handles legal work for DSS, which may involve regular courtroom responsibilities and appearances.
• Files juvenile court petitions, motions and discovery as well as draft orders.
• Files incompetency petitions and all necessary documents as well as protective orders regarding disabled and/or elderly adults.
• Advises staff having legal problems on policy questions and operating problems.
• Performs related work as assigned.
• Performs legal research, drafts pleadings and organizes caseload.
• Assures cases comply with all federal and state laws, including but not limited to timeframes (as failure to do so can have significant negative impacts on DSS and individuals).
• Provides legal advice regarding all areas covered by DSS.
• Performs legal duties as assigned and requested by Supervising Attorney.
• Works closely with legal team.

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions. 

• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.   

• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.   

• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.  

• Concentration - Ability to concentrate on tasks through many distractions.  

• Cooperation - Ability to accept supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same.  

• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures.   

• Ethical - Ability to demonstrate conduct conforming to a set of values and accepted standards.   

• Honesty / Integrity - Ability to be truthful, maintain high level of confidentiality and be seen as credible in the workplace.  

• Judgment – Ability to use good judgment and discretion as it relates to interpreting policies and procedures.  

• Multi-tasker – Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.  

• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.   

• Relationship Building - Ability to effectively build relationships with guests and co-workers.  

• Reliability – Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines.  

• Safety-Minded – Creating a safe work environment; managing risks; reducing exposure liabilities.     

• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.

Education & Experience: 

• Juris Doctorate degree required from an ABA accredited school of law. 
• Licensed to practice law in North Carolina.
• Human Services experience in abuse/neglect, dependency cases, children support, adult services and/or personnel issues, preferred.

Computer Skills: Prior experience with Microsoft Windows suites of products.

License/Credentials: Possession of a valid NC driver’s license. Licensed by the State Bar of North Carolina and in good standing as a licensed practicing attorney.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

N (Not Applicable)    Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally)       Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5 hrs./day)

F (Frequently)           Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5 hrs./day)

C (Constantly)                    Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5 hrs./day)

Physical Demands 

Stand   F 

Walk    O 

Sit        F 

Manually Manipulate    O 

Reach Outward     O 

Reach Above Shoulder    O 

Climb        O 

Crawl     N 

Squat or Kneel     O 

Bend     O 

Talk/Hear      C

See     C 

Taste/Smell       N  

Lift/Carry

10 lbs. or less   O 

11-20 lbs.    O 

21-50 lbs.    O 

51-100 lbs.    O 

Over 100 lbs.   O

Push/Pull

12 lbs. or less   O

13-25 lbs. O

26-40 lbs. O

41-100 lbs. O

Other Physical Requirements

Salary : $80,283