STAFF ATTORNEY - CONCENTRATION IN SOCIAL SERVICES

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The application review process will take place immediately and continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may close any time after the first review or when a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Cabarrus County Government is actively seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Staff Attorney with a concentration in Social Services. In this role, you will serve as legal counsel for the department, providing expertise and guidance on a range of matters, including but not limited to, Child Support Enforcement, Adult Protective Services, and Guardianship. As the in-house legal counsel, you will be at the forefront of Cabarrus County's efforts to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of children, adults, and families in our community. You will work closely with other professionals in the department to develop innovative and effective legal strategies and solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each case. If you are an attorney who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Who are we looking for? Is this you?

Someone who thrives in a collaborative work environment and can adapt to changing priorities with ease. They must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster strong working relationships. Dedication to public service, trust-building, a robust work ethic, and sound judgment are essential qualities that we're looking for.

We're seeking an articulate, decisive, and highly motivated individual who possesses excellent political acumen and awareness. The candidate should have a proven track record of success and be able to research and analyze problems, evaluate risks, and explain legal concepts in a clear and concise manner.

The Staff Attorney role is pivotal, requiring the candidate to advise decision-makers throughout the Department on the legal risks and obligations associated with their duties as directors, employees, or board members. Therefore, it is critical that the candidate has comprehensive knowledge of North Carolina Statutes that affect North Carolina County Governments and the Department of Social Services.

We need a multitasker who can problem-solve and adapt to stressful situations. The candidate must value accountability, transparency, and hold high expectations of themselves and others. Protecting and preserving the Department's reputation is of the utmost importance to the Staff Attorney, and we're looking for someone who shares this commitment.

With more than 230,000 residents, Cabarrus County is the ninth largest county in North Carolina. With 1200+ employees in more than 32 departments, we provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, water conservation, health and human services, codes enforcement, cultural activities and many more. The community relies on forward-thinking and innovative leaders to manage the rapid growth

Cabarrus County employs dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. With a vase variety of different employment options, the County offers a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We offer a well-defined benefits package with a work life balance approach. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans, and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate in order to reach your fullest personal and professional potential

General Definition of Work:

This position serves as the lead attorney for Child Support Enforcement, Adult Protective Services, Guardianship and as needed in other social services program areas. In conjunction with the General Counsel, this position will also oversee other legal services for the department and may advise or represent the County, and its various departments in a wide variety of legal matters in consultation with the County Attorney or outside representation. Work performed under the general supervision of the County General Counsel.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks:

Prepares for and conducts courtroom litigation; prepares legal opinions on cases related to social services program areas; answers questions concerning the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, policies and ordinances; responds to other general legal inquiries; and assists other attorneys, departments, Boards, and committees as needed.

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• Represents child support agents in court; participates in negotiations; reviews proffered orders; controls court calendar; conducts trials; drafts post-trial orders; prepares agents for court testimony.
• Advises program supervisors/agents on strategy formation and case management practices; develops/revises division policies and practices.
• Conducts legal research; analyzes legal questions and procedures involving civil law/ procedure, interstate law, criminal law/procedure, federal bankruptcy law.
• Review and approves legal documents for filing; drafts legal pleadings including complaints, motions, orders, liens, proofs of claim; prepares communications to judges, clerks of court, State personnel, NC Attorney General legal staff, and citizens.
• Advises social work staff on legal requirements and effects of prospective decisions; assists in drafting petitions alleging incompetence; drafts motions to modify guardianship, appointment of guardian of the estate; represents social workers in hearings to include presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, proffering legal arguments; appears before Clerk on non-DSS petitions and motions when DSS is noticed.
• Provides legal advice to DSS staff, supervisors, and Program Administrators in other divisions regarding fraud investigations, Medicaid eligibility, interpreting real property transfers, interpreting wills and trusts, and explaining criminal charges and dispositions.
• Trains and prepares staff as necessary in substantive areas related to the social work programs, practices and procedures of courts.
• Receives and responds to legal questions and researches requests from DSS and other areas of County government.
• Consults with staff to prepare for other legal proceedings, including quasi-judicial hearings; administrative hearings; or meetings before other public bodies.
• Drafts and reviews contracts for DSS and all other County departments.
• Consults with County Attorney and outside counsel retained by County departments.
• Reviews public records requests and redacts any responsive records.
• Supervises legal staff/paralegal.
• Provides legal representation for appeals to the court of appeals.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of state and federal law and regulations pertaining to local government, particularly Department of Social Services; thorough knowledge of principals and procedures of civil law, especially as related to County government, family law, juvenile law, child support, elder law, personnel and torts; ability to perform legal research in accordance with guidance as to methods of approach, source materials available, and policy and precedent of the office; ability to understand and interpret constitutional provisions, statutes, administrative regulations, and precedents; ability to analyze facts, evidence, and legal instruments; ability to express conclusions and arguments clearly and logically in oral and written form; ability to maintain effective working relationships; ability to organize and prepare a large number of cases for trial; ability to communicate effectively with citizens, employees, and County officials in oral and written form; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school and an active license to practice law in North Carolina. Prefer 3 years of increasingly responsible experience as a practicing attorney in municipal or government law including prior social services/child support experience. Attorneys in private practice will be considered.

Special Requirements:

Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina and possession of all other qualifications as prescribed by State Statute. Possession of an appropriate drivers license valid in the state of North Carolina. Admission to the United States District Court for the Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina preferred.

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, and fingering; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Cabarrus County selects applicants for employment based on job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, political affiliation or political influence. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, degree evaluations and cover letters may be uploaded with your application. Applicants who obtained their education outside of the United States and its territories are expected to assume responsibility for having their academic degrees validated as equivalent to a degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.

Please be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual position, only the most recent application received prior to the posting closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the closing date. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account.

Processing applications will take an average of 6 8 weeks due to the high volume of applications received. It is not necessary to contact the Human Resources Office to check the status of an application. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the most qualified applicants. For technical issues with your applications, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627. If there are any questions about this posting other than your application status, please contact HR at 704-920-2200.