Adoption Law Attorney / Family Law - General Attorney in Saluda, SC

Government

Saluda, SC

Adoption Law Attorney / Family Law - General Attorney in Saluda, SC

Attorney

No

Job Title: County Attorney III - Midlands Region Continuous

Job Responsibilities:
The County Attorney III position involves providing professional legal services and representation for assigned county offices, area adoption offices, and the regional Day Care licensing office. The role includes representation in Family Court on issues related to child protection, foster care, adoption, adult protection, and Economic Services. The attorney will represent the organization in matters involving the emergency or non-emergency removal of children and vulnerable adults, termination of parental rights, inspection warrants, in-home protective services, permanency planning, judicial review of children or adults receiving services, and any appeals resulting from such actions. The role requires the timely preparation, filing, and service of all pleadings, motions, orders, notices, rules to show cause, and other court documents related to the representation of the organization. This includes ensuring all determinations required by state and federal law are included in pleadings and proposed orders.

The attorney is responsible for conducting case staffing meetings to analyze the legal status of cases and advise staff on legal matters. Preparing cases for court involves conducting and responding to discovery, interviewing, and preparing witnesses, and reviewing agency documentation and reports from other sources. The attorney must comply with agency policy and state and federal law regarding permanency planning hearings and termination of parental rights, as well as the provision of notice of legal proceedings to appropriate parties.

The role requires the utilization of the Legal Case Management System for legal operations and documentation of legal activity in cases. The attorney will also establish and maintain a professional network, attend training sessions to enhance professionalism, review legislation, statutory changes, and case law decisions, and advise staff about the law. Participation in regular agency meetings to discuss and analyze outcomes and determine areas needing improvement is expected, along with conducting in-house training for other staff members. The attorney may be required to perform Red Cross shelter/emergency response duties as directed.

Education and Experience Information:
Candidates must possess a Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited law school and have at least three (3) years of experience as a practicing attorney. A necessary special requirement for this role is membership in the South Carolina Bar. Experience as an attorney with the Department of Social Services is preferred.

Salary Information:
The salary for the County Attorney III position ranges from $80, to $104, annually.

Additional Information:
This is a full-time position with a normal work schedule of Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The position is classified under Pay Band 7. The role requires a valid driver's license, effective communication skills (both written and oral), and the ability to write legibly. Candidates may be required to work after hours or undertake some overnight travel and must be able to lift approximately 15-20 lbs.

Applicants must apply online, and all correspondence from the Department of Social Services Human Resources will be conducted via electronic mail unless otherwise indicated. Resumes can be submitted in lieu of filling out the online application, but all agency supplemental questions must be completed for the application to be considered. A resume alone is not sufficient for the completion of the application, and any incomplete applications may not be forwarded for consideration. If selected for a job offer, candidates will be required to provide a certified official transcript to verify educational credentials.

The **Members Only** offers an exceptional benefits package, including health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouses, and children. Employees also receive 15 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick leave per year, 13 paid holidays, paid parental leave, and access to the state retirement plan and deferred compensation programs.

The position is open for multiple counties within the Midlands Region, including Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lexington, McCormick, Richland, Saluda, Union, and York. Candidates must be willing and able to work in these counties.

The employer is the State of South Carolina, and the agency is the Department of Social Services, specifically within the Office of General Counsel / Midlands Region. The application process includes a supplemental questionnaire that covers various aspects, including employment history, educational credentials, and willingness to work in specific counties.