Description:

Salary Range: $83,960 - $125,939
This is an exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career
The success of Mecklenburg County rests on strong, competent talent at all levels of the organization. The County Manager's Office is responsible for executing the policy decisions of the Board of County Commissioners and leading the County organization by overseeing the administration of County departments. If you enjoy working with the public and are looking for a career where your work is important to the community, come be a part of Mecklenburg County Government and help us provide a community of pride and choice for people to live, learn, work, and recreate.

Position Summary:
Provide legal advice and representation to the Department of Social Services, Office of Youth and Family Services (YFS). This position, under direct supervision, is responsible for basic formal and informal legal opinions and drafts a variety of legal documents with varying degrees of complexity.

Essential Functions:

Meet with staff to discuss case history; assess the strengths and weakness
Review information and provide feedback as appropriate
Provide legal guidance and direction as necessary; determine what information constitutes as admissible evidence
Prepare legal pleadings and other trial documents
Determine what witnesses are needed for court and issue appropriate subpoenas
Review court documents and recommend revisions as appropriate
Represent department in all phases of the court proceedings, in mediations and on appellate matters
Advocate on behalf of the department applying the known facts and rules of evidence to obtain a favorable outcome in the case
Complete and submit all court orders within the requisite time frame
Communicate with the clerk of the court, staff and other attorneys regarding the scheduling of cases
Refer more complex issues through chain of command to more senior attorney up to department director
Provides legal guidance and opinions to the YFS agency
Provides training to agency staff on child abuse and neglect laws and process

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience: No experience required
Education: Juris Doctorate (J.D.); graduation from an accredited school of law and licensed to practice law in North Carolina
Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: No

Licenses and Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in North Carolina
Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License
Must obtain and maintain a Mecklenburg County Operator's Permit

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of abuse and neglect law, process and procedures
Litigation skills

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

Rules of evidence, civil procedures, and appellate procedures
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations
General rules of court
Criminal law principles
Research methods
Current case law and court decisions
Mediation techniques
Applicable substantive area of law
Working knowledge of subject matter

Skills:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate
Talking to others to convey information effectively
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions

Abilities:

Building Strategic Work Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals
Building Trust: Interacting with others in way that instills confidence in one's intentions and those of the organization
Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences
Formal Presentations: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience
Negotiation: Effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties

Computer Skills:
Proficient in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite

Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To Accomplish This Job Successfully, an Individual Must Be Able to Perform, with Or without Reasonable Accommodation, Each Essential Function Satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations May Be Made to Help Enable Qualified Individuals with Disabilities to Perform the Essential Functions.

Disclaimer Statement
This Is Not Intended to Be an All-Inclusive List of Job-Related Responsibilities, Duties, Skills, Requirements or Working Conditions. Other Duties May Be Assigned Based on Business Need and The Supervisor's Request. Mecklenburg County Reserves the Right to Revise the Job Description at Any Time. Designated Positions May Be Required to Assist in Emergency And/or Disaster Situations.