Rutherford County Department of Social Services
Position Vacancy Announcement
ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT
POSITION TITLE:
DSS STAFF ATTORNEY II
Position Number
5310115
Starting Salary
$70,000/Negotiable/Annually
Opening Date
November 21, 2014
Closing Date
December 4, 2014
How to apply?
A State Application, PD-107, must be
submitted by 5pm on the closing date
to:
Rutherford County DSS
PO Box 242
389 Fairground Road
Spindale, NC 28160
828 287-6283 Phone
828 288-3406 Fax
Attn: Luann Hoyle Butler
Luann.Butler@rutherfordcountync.gov
Rutherford County provides eligible
employees with a competitive benefits
package including paid health and
dental insurance, paid holidays, and
other optional benefits.
Rutherford County DSS is not
responsible for failure to
receive faxed applications. Please take
a moment to ensure your transmission
was received.
Employee may be called upon in case of
disaster, either natural or man-made,
to serve the citizens of Rutherford
County. This service, if required, will
take precedence over duties described
in this position vacancy announcement.
Position Responsibilities
The Staff Attorney will perform professional legal work for the Rutherford County
Department of Social Services including Child Welfare Services, Child Support, Adult
Protective Services, Guardianship, Program Integrity and Personnel. The work
involves preparing cases associated with the Department of Social Services for trial,
including performing research, interviewing and talking with experts, and presenting
these cases in court; drafting court orders; preparing legal documents; participating in
required pretrial conferences; assisting staff in developing protocols and procedures;
consultation and training to Social Services staff; and providing legal advice and
consultation to the Director of Social Services and the Board of Social Services; serve
as the agency's HIPPA Officer; and other duties as instructed by the Director.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of case, statutory, regulatory, and common law. Considerable
knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and the rules of evidence. Ability to
conduct civil or criminal litigation. Ability to interpret and apply constitutional provisions,
statutes, administrative regulations, court decisions, and other 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. Thorough knowledge of the rules of civil procedure and
evidence; knowledge and ability in trial and appellate advocacy; knowledge and
specialization in the substantive state and federal law in the subject areas of DSS
agency representation and an understanding of legal jurisprudence and theory which
informs the same; skill in legal drafting and particular knowledge of the requirements of
juvenile court and child support orders; skills in time management; skills in negotiation;
skills in crisis management and abatement; significant interpersonal skills, thorough
knowledge of technologies necessary for carrying out essential job functions; thorough
knowledge of legal research techniques and tools; general understanding of poverty as
it affects dependent populations; the developmental psychology of children; the
mechanics and causal agents of non-accidental child injury; as well as, psychological
testing, paternity testing and drug testing.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Graduation from a recognized school of law and one year of professional legal
experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. License to
practice law in the State of North Carolina. Meet the requirements imposed by the
North Carolina State Bar for continuing legal education.
Special Requirements
Copies of final transcripts from accredited school showing date degree awarded must
be submitted with application. Must have a valid driver’s license and be in compliance
with the Rutherford County’s insurance regulations. Must have access to a vehicle.
Selection Process
The selection process will include a structured interview. Applications will be reviewed;
structured interview evaluations will be studied; educational and work experience
histories will be considered. After careful evaluation of the above-mentioned criteria the
appointing authority will appoint the applicant who in the judgment of the appointing
authority is best suited for the position.