Potential for Telework/Remote options may be considered based on training, quality assurance, performance, and/or business needs. PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: The primary purpose of the paralegal will be to assist with pre-trial preparation, post-trial production of documents (drafting of court orders), and work with cases appealed to the NC Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. The paralegal provides the initial screening for responding to legal questions from within and without the Agency. The paralegal is responsible for the tracking of children in the custody of the Agency, assuring required Court hearings are scheduled; assisting the attorney in court, and for the filing of court documents.
 
DUTIES: The paralegal must assist the social worker in assessing the evidence gathered during the investigation and drafting of a proper Petition to be filed in Court; prepare and insure proper service of Summons, Subpoenas and Notices to the parties and their attorneys; assist the social worker in identifying necessary witnesses and insure their attendance; assure that reports to the court are timely prepared and filed; prepare orders at the direction of the attorney as directed by the judge in juvenile court in a timely manner to meet deadlines imposed by statute; coordinate with the Judge Advocate General at Fort Bragg for military witnesses and records. The paralegal identifies the need for and creates the necessary Motions and Orders to require mental health or physical examinations.
 
The paralegal accompanies the attorney to Court and assists with the readiness of cases to be heard to include all parties and witnesses in the cases, may also have to contact professional witnesses on "phone-standby" and inform them that the Court is ready for them to come and testify; will also take notes on the case proceedings and on the orders issued by the Court to assist in the preparation of the written order.
 
The paralegal is responsible in nearly all cases for drafting the written orders in juvenile court based on the Court's decisions. The proper distribution of orders, other court documents, and compliance with the Juvenile Court Rules is the responsibility of the paralegal. The paralegal is responsible for maintaining case files and other records, as required. Following established procedures is necessary for proper handling of all documentation and records.
 
The paralegal must be able to assist Adult Services with Guardianship Petitions and Adult Protective Services petitions; including both the preparation of these petitions and the review of the documentation needed to support the Petitions; must be able to file and schedule the hearings in these matters, which includes communication and coordination with attorneys, the Clerk of Superior Court and/or District Court Judges.
 
This position receives questions from both the staff and the general public regarding issues of child custody, child abuse and criminal law and must be able to research the issues involved using both legal research materials and Agency manuals to formulate answers, under the supervision of the Attorney.
 
Must be able to evaluate information received from others and draft and/or revise petitions following the statutory requirements. Must be knowledgeable in the area of court appeals and be able to interpret the procedural requirements and be adept at following the statutory requirements and legal precedent.
**The performance of all these activities must be supervised by a licensed attorney**
 MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Graduation from an appropriately accredited institution for paralegal training and two years of experience as a paralegal; or Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of substantive paralegal experience; or High school or General Education Development (GED) diploma and six years of paralegal experience performing delegated, substantive legal work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The selected applicant will be subject to the following conditions prior to appointment. Failure to complete or fulfill these conditions may result in dismissal.
The employee in this position will be operating motor vehicles for Cumberland County and shall have a valid North Carolina Driver's License.
 
Duties of this position require the use of the employee's personal vehicle.
Each applicant who is tendered an offer for employment for any position with Cumberland County shall be tested for the use of drugs specified in the County policy. Refusal to submit to testing or a confirmed positive test shall be a basis for withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.
Law enforcement background check is required.
 
This position will require assisting in emergency and/or disaster situations.
The Cumberland County Department of Social Services has a dress code policy that must be adhered to. This policy includes specific guidelines related to tattoos and body piercing.
College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 2429, Fayetteville, NC 28302. Prior to employment start date, an official transcript must be presented in its original unopened envelope.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log into your account and click "Application Status."
If there are specific questions regarding this posting, you may contact DSS Human Resources at 910-677-2595.
MISSION
The Cumberland County Department of Social Services stands united to strengthen individuals and families and to protect children and vulnerable adults. We collaborate with our community partners to provide programs and services which engage our customers in improving their quality of life.
VISION
We envision our Department... as a catalyst for improving quality of life through teamwork, partnership, forward thinking, and cutting edge service delivery. We envision our customers...as partners, motivated and empowered to improve their quality of life.
Our Core Standards & Values
A quality customer experience, business operations and employee experience represents our three Core Standards that guide our principles and values. We have identified eight core values and validating behaviors that define our Departments: Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Diversity, Innovation, Optimism, Integrity and Flexibility.