Attorney I

The primary purpose of this position is to provide a limited scope of legal services in support of the Health and Human Services Social Work Division mission of preventing abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable citizens of Buncombe County.  (#1186)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Prepare for and conduct routine courtroom and administrative litigation, negotiate settlements, prepare legal opinions on rules and operation of the Social Work Division. 

• Support higher level attorneys in specific aspects of casework.

• Prepare for and conduct routine appellate litigation.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare cases for hearing: develop a case strategy, perform research to prepare for litigation, interview witnesses and conduct litigation.

• Review and research relevant case law, statutes, regulations, and policies to support legal decisions. 

• Answer routine inquiries and provide legal advice to social work staff.

• Prepare legal documents such as petitions, motions, and court orders.

• Oversee the drafting of legal documents by department Paralegals and paraprofessionals. 

• Perform related work and special projects associated with agency priorities as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Considerable knowledge of case, statutory, regulatory, and common law pertaining to social services, with emphasis on child and adult protective services.

• Considerable knowledge of the judicial and quasi-judicial procedures, rules of civil procedure, and the rules of evidence.

• Considerable knowledge of the functions and powers of the Health and Human Services Board.

• General knowledge of County government structures and operations.

• Skill in preparing and presenting court cases.

• Ability to interpret and apply constitutional provisions, statues, administrative regulations, court decisions and other precedents.

• Ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with citizens, employees, and County officials both orally and in writing.

• Ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written form. 

• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.

• Maintain knowledge of the agency organizational rules, policies, procedures, services and mission.

• Plan, prioritize, and organize work effectively to produce quality work with measurable results and within identified deadlines.

• Interact with other employees, customers and partners with professionalism and cultural competency.

• Work effectively and efficiently as a team contributor including interacting, communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations to accomplish a common task.

• Understand the necessity to efficiently and effectively interact, communicate and coordinate work efforts with other employees and organizations in an effective manner to accomplish common task.

• Function in highly stressful circumstances and demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing priorities, deadlines and directions.

• Conduct business in an ethical manner at all times while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

• Safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with ADAAA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

• Maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with ADAAA, FMLA and other federal state and local standards.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE: Graduation from a recognized school of law.

Additional Training and Experience: Experience in the general practice of law with trial experience; preferably with experience in juvenile law.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Possession of a license to practice law in the State of North Carolina

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: N/A

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Applicants will be given credit only for information provided in response to this announcement. No additional information will be solicited or considered by this office; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training, and experience. Applicants will not automatically be given credit based on their position title. If work history involves part time work, you must state the number of hours per week to receive credit.