Agency Attorney II

JOB SUMMARY:

The Agency Attorney is responsible to provide and supervising a full range of legal services relating to the Pennsylvania’s County Code, Child Protective Services Law, Sunshine Act, Right to Know Law and Ethics Act for Bradford County Human Services. The Agency solicitor is committed to practicing cultural competence by: working respectfully and effectively with people of all cultures, classes, races, genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, mental and physical abilities, ages and appearances in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of individuals, families and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each. The Agency solicitor will adhere to the Agency’s Guiding Principles by serving as a child welfare professional, valuing every child, honoring families, and valuing partnerships.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

An employee in this class conducts legal research and represents the Agency in legal proceedings as assigned. The work is performed independently with direction from department administrators. The Agency solicitor is responsible for overseeing and assigning work to paralegals employed within the Agency.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

- Works closely with Bradford County Solicitor, Bradford County Commissioners, the Administrator of Bradford County Children and Youth Services, Administrator of Bradford County Mental Health and Intellectual Disability, Bradford County caseworkers/case managers and supervisors, Bradford County District Attorney

- Assists the Agency in all matters that relate directly or indirectly with dependency matters

- Advise the Agency with respect to decisions regarding actions on dependency aspects of child welfare in which the Agency is ordered to take custody of children

- Acts as a liaison with the Court, other attorneys, casework staff, Agency administration and any other legal departments

- Supports communication with the Bradford County Juvenile Court

- Supports the abuse/neglect dependency caseload

- Supports the Agency in regards to shared case management of delinquency matters

- Supports the Agency’s achievement of CFSR standards and service delivery that focuses on safety, permanency and well-being for the families served by the Agency.

- Provides the agency guidance on confidentiality and other legal requirements relating to the services provided by the Agency and the records that it keeps.

- Responsible for rendering legal advice to the county agency as well as the department of Human Services

- Directs the preparation of contracts, leases, deed and other documents

- Leads in or conducts research in rendering legal opinions, preparing materials for proposed legislation, and formulating rules and regulations

- Assists with Staff Training

- Reviews averments, petitions for modification of movements, termination of parental rights, petitions, and miscellaneous motions.

- Meets with caseworkers and answers questions from caseworkers as case moves through the system

- Presides over shelter care hearings, adjudication and disposition hearings, review hearings and termination of parental rights hearings

- Prepare and presents requests made by the Agency to the Court

- Review and approve redacted family files when requests are received

- Prepare and files all necessary pleadings in the appropriate courts

- Handle Children and Youth Childline and Kinship appeal cases including corresponding with the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals on hearings, Answer and discuss cases/investigations with caseworkers, file unified statements, participate in prehearing conferences, and prep and present the Agency's case at hearings

- General administrative legal matters for Bradford County Children and Youth and Bradford Human Services

- Handle Protective Services and Guardianship legal matters on behalf of the Bradford County Human Services

- Manages and oversees other legal proceedings involving the Agency as may be appropriate.

- All other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have the ability to record, convey, and present information, explain procedures, and follow instructions;

Must be able to sit for long periods of time with frequent periods of standing, walking, and occasional twisting, reaching, pulling, and pushing required for obtaining files, doing inspections or other job duties;

Dexterity requirements range from simple to complex movements of fingers/hands, legs/feet, or torso to carry out job duties;

Sedentary work with occasional lifting, 15-20 pounds;

Must be able to pay close attention to detail and concentrate on work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, ordinances and policies.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to provide leadership to the County on legal affairs, including working effectively with the County Solicitor, Board of Commissioners, other County officials and employees, other elected officials, the public, and the media.

Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations affecting the County.

Specific knowledge of Pennsylvania’s County Code, Child Protective Services Law, Sunshine Act, Right to Know Law and Ethics Act.

Knowledge and ability to review, negotiate and draft contracts.

Knowledge and ability in the area of child welfare law.

Knowledge and ability in legal advocacy, including mediation, arbitration, litigation, administrative proceedings and appellate practice.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE and TRAINING:

Two years of progressively responsible experience in professional legal work and graduation from an approved school of law;

Must be a licensed attorney within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in good standing.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Valid driver’s license

Successful completion of a background check

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Doctorate (Required)

Experience:

• Legal counsel: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• PA BAR License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $76,156 - $108,755