Closing Date: 13th April, 2026
Description:
Job Purpose:This position works under the direct supervision of the Attorney II (or other designated senior attorney) and performs legal work of moderate complexity in support of the agency's child welfare, adult services, and child support programs.
The Attorney I provides legal representation, advice, and support to the Department of Social Services (DSS) across multiple program areas, including juvenile court matters, adult protective services, incompetency proceedings, and child support. The attorney ensures compliance with federal and state law, prepares and reviews legal documents, represents the agency in court, and assists in developing agency protocols. Work is performed under the guidance and review of a higher-level attorney, with increasing independence as experience is gained.
Responsibilities:
Juvenile Court Representation – 50%
- Represent the agency in juvenile court proceedings involving abuse, neglect, dependency, termination of parental rights, and related matters.
- Maintain current knowledge of applicable statutes, case law, and DSS policy.
- Conduct legal and procedural research; review and interpret policy changes.
- Assist in developing and implementing agency legal protocols.
- Provide training to child welfare staff and community partners as requested.
- Meet all statutory and court-imposed deadlines.
- Conduct pretrial preparation, including exhibit preparation and witness interviews.
- Communicate regularly with social workers regarding case strategy and legal issues.
- Prepare and review court orders to ensure legal sufficiency and timely submission.
- Serve as liaison with judges, magistrates, clerks, attorneys, and court personnel.
- Draft and review legal documents including petitions, motions, orders, subpoenas, interrogatories, requests for production, and affidavits.
- Ensure compliance with federally mandated timelines and requirements.
- Provide legal advice to social workers on case planning and legal risk.
- Review court reports and exhibits prior to submission and provide feedback.
- Negotiate settlements to promote permanency and efficient court proceedings.
- Ensure compliance with federal laws such as ICWA and MEPA.
- Handle appeals related to the Responsible Individuals List.
- Provide appellate representation in child welfare cases, including record preparation and brief writing.
- Provide guidance to foster care licensing and adoption units as needed.
- Participate in after-hours on-call rotation for legal advice, emergency filings, and support.
- Maintain proficiency in the use of e-Courts and electronic filing systems.
- Represent DSS in court proceedings involving adult protective services, guardianship, and incompetency matters.
- Maintain current knowledge of statutes, case law, and policy related to adult services.
- Prepare and review petitions, pleadings, and related legal documents.
- Review cases prior to court; conduct staffings with caseworkers; prepare exhibits and witnesses.
- Draft legal documents including orders, motions, subpoenas, interrogatories, requests for production, and affidavits.
- Provide legal advice to adult services social workers.
- Serve as liaison with judges, attorneys, clerks, magistrates, and court staff.
- Provide training to adult services staff and community partners as requested.
- Conduct legal research and review policy changes.
- Assist in establishing agency protocols for adult services legal matters.
- Review court reports and exhibits and provide feedback.
- Negotiate settlements to promote appropriate outcomes and efficient court use.
- Participate in after-hours on-call rotation for legal advice and emergency filings.
- Maintain proficiency in e-Courts and electronic filing systems.
- Assist in developing agency protocols related to child support enforcement.
- Maintain current knowledge of statutes, case law, and policy related to child support.
- Provide guidance to help the program meet goals and statutory timeframes.
- Provide backup legal representation in child support court when the contract attorney is unavailable or conflicted.
- Maintain proficiency in e-Courts and electronic filing systems.
- Assist with reviewing subpoenas and requests for records.
- Provide legal advice to the Department or recommend seeking additional legal opinions when appropriate.
- Attend Board meetings when the supervising Attorney II is unavailable.
- Participate in agency committees and workgroups.
- Conduct internal training as needed.
- Accompany social workers to court when necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support agency operations.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.
- Licensed to practice law in the state, or eligible for licensure within required timeframe.
- Strong legal research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills.
Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to work collaboratively with social workers, court officials, and community partners.
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload and meet strict deadlines.
- Commitment to the mission of child welfare, adult protection, and public service.
