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SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEY III

Recruitment #17-006686-0001

Introduction

This is a Management Service position that serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

GRADE

22

LOCATION OF POSITION

Department of Human Services

Baltimore City Department of Social Services

Legal Department

1510 Guilford Ave

Baltimore MD 21213

Main Purpose of Job

The Social Services Attorney is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Maryland who performs professional legal work for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services including representation of the Department in Administrative Hearings and in the Circuit Courts, Juvenile Courts and District Court of this State to enable the Department to protect vulnerable children and adults, obtain permanency for children in out-of-home placements, and protect the confidentiality of agency records and information.

POSITION DUTIES

Litigates cases and matters on behalf of BCDSS before the Circuit, Juvenile, and District Courts to enable the agency to meet its child welfare, adult protective service, and confidentiality mandates in compliance with applicable statutes, rules, regulations and case law.

Adheres to agency and Legal Services Division Case Preparation Requirements and follow up. Provides feedback regarding caseload issues and court outcomes in accordance with Legal Services Case Management and Reporting Policies.

Manages caseload to ensure agency goals for child welfare permanency planning and adult guardianship planning are met. Works cooperatively to meet the goals and responsibilities of the Division through performance of the following duties:

Performing tasks and providing coverage and assistance to team members, other agency attorneys and staff, as needed. Alerts management to issues to accomplish agency goals and to minimize issues that could create liability to the agency.

Participates in training activities to maintain knowledge of case law and practice issues, agency and legal services division policies and practices. Adheres to appropriate standards of professional conduct and complies with all requirements for attorney licensure and requirements for state and agency employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Possession of a Juris Doctor or equivalent degree from an accredited school of law.

Experience: Experience as a practicing attorney.

Notes:

1. A Social Services Attorney must be a member of the Maryland Bar at the time of appointment.

2. The above requirements are set by the Department of Human Services in accordance with an Opinion of the Attorney General dated June 13, 1988.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in General Attorney classifications or General Attorney specialty codes in the Legal and Kindred field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required education and experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess:

Experience or expressed interest in representing a government agency such as the Department of Human Services, State Department of Health, local department of social services, or employment  as an assistant state' attorney .

Experience of expressed interest in public service law or serving as an advocate in an unrelated field, such as community activism/service, teaching, etc.

Current experience in juvenile law, child welfare or Human Services.

Previous experience working in juvenile or child welfare law or representing a government agency.

Experience as a judicial clerk, or in public service law or serving as an advocate in an unrelated field, such as community activism/service, teaching, etc.

For applicants recently admitted to the Maryland Bar, an expression of interest in the field of human services through the completion of relevant courses and clinical programs.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year. If you are in the State service and are a promotional candidate, your salary will be determined in accordance with the State of Maryland Salary Guidelines.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact the Department of Human Services a 443-378-4530. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated. This office, with your approval, will verify your prior applicable work experience.  In order to receive full consideration for time worked, please complete dates of employment in its entirety and identify number of hours worked for each entry.

College transcripts are not required for review of your application and do not need to be forwarded.  Please clearly indicate your college degree and majors on your application.  If selected for an interview, you will be required to bring an official transcript with you.  For all foreign education obtained outside of the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service if selected for an interview.

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred; however, the paper application may be submitted to: DHS/Baltimore City Department of Social Services, attn: Dorothy Dukes, 1910 N. Broadway, Baltimore MD  21213.  The paper application must be received by 5 p.m. close of business on the closing date of the recruitment.  No postmarks will be accepted.  The previous Maryland State application (MS-100) will not be accepted.  

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.




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