Description

Cleveland County is seeking a Department of Social Services Staff Attorney to help protect children, support families, and empower those who need it most. This role provides comprehensive legal services for the Department of Social Services, including interpreting and applying laws and regulations, representing the department in hearings and court proceedings, and advising staff on legal matters. The Staff Attorney works collaboratively with internal teams, government agencies, and community partners to ensure legal compliance and support the department’s mission. The position requires familiarity with laws affecting the Department of Social Services, sound judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive matters with tact.  

What You’ll Do: 

-Prepares for and conducts courtroom and administrative litigation, appellate litigation,negotiatesettlements, and prepares legal opinions on rules and operations of the Social Services Division. 
-Manages juvenile courtcaseload,child supportenforcementcaseloadand/oradult welfare court caseload as needed. 
-Provides backup for other County DSS attorney in all courts in which Social Services are involved. 
-Prepares legal documents such as petitions, motions, and appeals. 
-Drafts court orders.  
-Provides training to staffregardingcourt processes/procedures. 
-AssistsDepartmental Director in policy development and training of employees within the Department. 

The responsibilities and duties outlined above are intended to provide a general outline and summary of this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned as needed, with or without notice, to meet the needs of the department and county. 

Qualifications:
Graduation from a recognized school of law, at least one (1) year of professional legal experience, and requires a license to practice law in North Carolina and all other qualifications prescribed by State Statute. 
-Prior experience practicing child welfare, juvenile court or social services setting preferred but not required. 
-Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record. 

North Carolina requires that prior to representing the County Department of Social Services in proceedings, you must complete 6 hours of training addressing State and Federal child welfare law and procedures.   
 
Key Skills:
-Candidates must have strong knowledge of legal principles, administrative and constitutional law, the structure of North Carolina county government, and thorough knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes. 
-Proven ability to interpret, analyze, and apply legal principles to governmental issues. 
-Skilled in drafting rules, legal opinions, and proposed legislation. 
-Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships while working collaboratively with courts, public officials, and the community. 
-Able to clearly and persuasively present facts, legal arguments, and recommendations. 
 
Work Environment: 
This position may require regular travel for court appearances, meetings, and trainings.  Work is performed in the Cleveland County Department of Social Services Office location and courtroom setting.   
 
Why Join Us? 
-Make a meaningful impact on children, families and the future of our community.  
-Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team. 
-Access to professional development and continuing education. 
 
Cleveland County is a family-oriented community known for its small-town charm and southern hospitality, making it a great place to live, work, and play for nearly 100,000 residents. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cleveland County offers proximity to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville/Spartanburg, serving as a gateway between major metropolitan areas. Cleveland County Government provides excellent career opportunities with competitive benefits, driven by our purpose to make our community better and values that include high performance, courage, teamwork, integrity, and innovation. 
 
Additional information: 
 
Individuals hired must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Cleveland County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

This position is a part of the Cleveland County Public Health Center which is considered a Health and Human Services Department. By General Statue 166A-19.3, Departments of Health and Human Services are agencies that are a part of the State Emergency Response Team for occurrences or imminent threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from any natural or man-made accidental, military, paramilitary, terrorism, weather-related, public health, explosion-related, riot-related cause, or technological failure or accident, including, but not limited to, a cyber incident, an explosion, a transportation accident, a radiological accident, or a chemical or other hazardous material incident. In the event that the State Emergency Response Team is activated, this position will be required to participate if deemed necessary. 
 
Job Type: Full-time 
 
Benefits: 
401(k) 
Dental insurance 
Employee assistance program 
Health insurance 
Health savings account 
Life insurance 
Paid time off 
Professional development assistance 
Retirement plan 
Tuition reimbursement 
Vision insurance 
Work Location: In person 

Requirements

Graduation from a recognized school of law, at least one (1) year of professional legal experience, and requires a license to practice law in North Carolina and all other qualifications prescribed by State Statute. 
Prior experience practicing child welfare, juvenile court or social services setting preferred but not required. 
Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record. 
North Carolina requires that prior to representing the County Department of Social Services in proceedings, you must complete 6 hours of training addressing State and Federal child welfare law and procedures.