Paralegal II

Overview

The position is located in the Legal Section. Primary purpose of the position is to assist with pre-trial preparation and post-trial production of documents (drafting of court orders), assist with cases appealed to the NC Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, provide initial screening for responding to legal questions, and track children in the custody of the Agency, ensuring required Court hearings are scheduled;

assist the attorney in court and file court documents.

• Assist the social worker in assessing evidence gathered during investigations and drafting proper Petitions to be filed in Court; prepare and ensure proper service of Summons, Subpoenas and Notices to the parties and their attorneys; assist in identifying necessary witnesses and ensure their attendance; ensure reports to the court are timely prepared and filed; prepare orders in juvenile court in a timely manner to meet deadlines imposed by statute;
  
  coordinate with the Judge Advocate General for military witnesses and records; identify the need for and create motions and orders to require mental health or physical examinations.
• Accompany the attorney to Court and assist with readiness of cases to be heard, including coordinating with all parties and witnesses; contact professional witnesses on standby and inform them that the Court is ready for testimony; take notes on case proceedings and orders issued by the Court to aid in preparing written orders.
• Draft written orders in juvenile court based on the Court’s decisions; ensure proper distribution of orders and compliance with Juvenile Court Rules; maintain case files and records in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist Adult Services with Guardianship Petitions and Adult Protective Services petitions, including preparation and review of required documentation; file and schedule hearings in these matters and coordinate with attorneys, the Clerk of Superior Court and/or District Court Judges.
• Respond to questions from staff and the public regarding child custody, child abuse, and criminal law; conduct legal research using both legal materials and Agency manuals under supervision of the Attorney; evaluate information and draft or revise petitions following statutory requirements; interpret procedural requirements and legal precedent in appeals.
• The performance of these activities must be supervised by a licensed attorney.

Graduation from an appropriately accredited institution for paralegal training and two years of experience as a paralegal; or Bachelor’s degree with two years of substantive paralegal experience; or High School/GED with six years of paralegal experience performing delegated, substantive legal work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. All degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions.

• Considerable knowledge of the program area or legal specialty
• Considerable knowledge of case, statutory, and common law
• Considerable knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures and rules of evidence
• Ability to perform legal research per instructions and policy/precedent
• Ability to summarize facts and evidence and prepare legal instruments
• Clear and logical written and oral communication
• Ability to utilize technology in research and writing
• Ability to create spreadsheets to capture and analyze data
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships

• Operator of motor vehicles for Cumberland County; valid North Carolina Driver’s License required
• Drug testing required per County policy; refusal or positive test may result in withdrawal of offer
• Law enforcement background and fingerprint check required
• Position may require use of personal vehicle
• Position may require assisting in emergency or disaster situations
• Dress code policy adherence
• Transcripts may be submitted online or by mail; official transcript required before employment start
• To check application status, log into your account and view Application Status
• For questions, contact DSS Human Resources

MISSION:
The Cumberland County Department of Social Services stands united to strengthen individuals and families and protect children and vulnerable adults. We collaborate with community partners to improve quality of life. VISION:
We envision our department as a catalyst for improving quality of life through teamwork and forward thinking. Core Standards & Values include Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Diversity, Innovation, and Optimism.