Guardian ad Litem General Counsel
Guardian ad Litem General Counsel
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$ 90000 - 126547
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
Are you an experienced professional looking for new opportunities to further your career The SC Department of Childrens Advocacy is seeking a hardworking and dependablecandidate just like you to apply! This position will offer great benefits with the state including 15 days of annual and sick leave per year or more depending on applicable state service.
Serves as general counsel for the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program and acts a resource attorney for the
Department of Childrens Advocacy related to the GAL Program. Assists the GAL Program with the development of program policy
and program improvements regarding courtappointed special advocates for children. Stays abreast of pending legislation and all
laws relevant to child welfare. Trains program staff on matters related to the execution of the legal duties of a volunteer GAL and the
role of the appointed contract attorney as mandated in the SC Childrens Code. Develops and monitors contractual agreements for
contract attorneys and facilities and coordinates training based on their needs. Performs other duties as assigned through the GAL
Program. In this position specific job functions include but are not limited to the following:- Supervises staff to include preparing performance planning and evaluation documents and related personnel paperwork. Coaches counsels and trains employees. Establishes and monitors work processes. Implements management policies and initiatives and promotes teamwork.
- Research legal matters and provides legal counsel regarding areas of concern to the South Carolina Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program including interpretation of laws policies and procedures; current and pending legislation; case law; and court orders that may impact the program. Keep abreast of relevant state and federal child welfare law and policies and their interpretations and applications by other state agencies.
- Serve as the legal liaison of the South Carolina Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program both internally and with external agencies and organizations. Establish and strengthen relationships with internal staff and other agencies and organizations including engaging in and contributing to Programrelated committees and workgroups consistent with DCAs and GAL Programs mission vision and goals while using discretion and adhering to confidentiality laws.
- Recruit attorneys to represent Guardians ad Litem for children for the Program in Family Court appellate court and other matters as appropriate; negotiates contracts concerning their legal representation; and in accordance with the Vendor Agreement monitors the legal services provided to volunteer GALs and program staff by contract attorneys to ensure terms of the contract agreement are met. Serves as a resource attorney for contract attorneys by assisting with complex or nuanced legal issues cases under appeal and other pertinent legal matters; Lead in training and supporting attorneys including providing legal research assistance to contract attorneys. Provide legal representation for the Guardians ad Litem.
- Review and analyze regional and statewide data and reports regarding trends concerns and progress which are relevant to legal advocacy regarding safety permanence and wellbeing for children; provide recommendations to GAL State Director and Senior Management regarding quality improvement.
- Complete other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A Juris Doctor degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney. Licensed to practice law in South Carolina as an attorney at least 2 years.
Additional Requirements:- Must have knowledge of the SC Childrens code as it relates child abuse and neglect actions and
the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program. - Ability to train staff and acts as a program resource for contract attorneys.
- Excellent oral and written communications and advocacy skills.
- Position may require overnight travel.
- Position may require employee to work evenings and weekends.
- Position requires routine driver duties.
- Position requires frequent stooping and/or bending.
- Position may be required to report to work during emergency situations.
- Hours of work in excess of a routine 37.5 hours per week work schedule may be required. The necessity for such work is dictated by
circumstances and assignments. - Travel may be required to inspect sites throughout the State of South Carolina.
- Must have a valid SC class D drivers license.
Applicants indicating college credit or degree(s) on the application will be required to bring a copy of college transcript to the interview. A copy of the transcript may also be uploaded as an attachment to the application if required by the hiring department or if desired by the applicant. Please note that some areas of the Agency may require anofficial certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area after hiring. Failure to produce an official certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.
- Must have knowledge of the SC Childrens code as it relates child abuse and neglect actions and
Additional Comments
The SC Department of Childrens Advocacy is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race color religion sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation) national origin age (40 or older) disability or genetic information.
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
The SC Department of Childrens Advocacy offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:
- Health dental vision longterm disability and life insurance for employees spouse and children. Clickherefor additional information.
- 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
- 15 days sick leave per year
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available(S.C. Deferred Compensation)
- Retirement benefit choices*
*Enrollment in one of the listed plans is required for all FTE employees; please refer to the contribution section of hyperlinked retirement sites for the current contribution rate of gross pay.
Employment Type
Full-Time
