Represent the Tribe and Tribal Department of Human Services in civil child and adult protection cases. Litigation in Tribal and state Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) courts. Will be responsible for legal compliance with the ICWA for all cases involving Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) children and the compliance with EBCI inter local agreements. Performs a variety of legal services as directed by the Attorney General. Maintains good community relations by providing efficient and comprehensive quality of service to the Tribe. Provides leadership to the Health and Human Services Department to ensuring Tribal law and policy are adhered to, systems are functional and is committed to be a member of the Integrated Child Welfare Team.
- Provide Tribal intervention in state child welfare cases and work with Tribal Human Services Department to decide which cases to transfer from State to Tribal court.
- Provide all legal services to tribal Human Services, Family Safety program and the integrated child welfare team to adjudicate and manage litigation of Tribal child maltreatment cases.
- Establish and/or maintain use of appropriate software to assist with legal tasks and coordinate with court and Integrated Child Welfare Team to ensure relevant collection of data for measuring performance of legal system, including court processes, for child welfare cases in the court system is occurring.
- Report quarterly on system performance and annually on case outcomes.
- Learn and become expert in the Tribal child and adult protection (family protection) system.
- Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with County, State, Federal, Tribal, and private agencies in regards to child and adult maltreatment issues.
- Assure confidentiality and professionalism in all cases.
- Must be able to handle demanding, angry, or upset people in a professional manner.
- Drafts pleadings, reports, letters, memoranda, and other documents.
- Interprets laws, rules, and regulations and becomes proficient in stakeholder systems and services in order to provide comprehensive advice and assistance.
- Must be able to work independently and have the ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
- The ability to operate a computer, facsimile, copy machine, and other related office equipment is required.
- Researches and prepares written reports for the supervising attorney.
- Assists other legal staff as instructed by the Attorney General.
- Draft orders and disseminate them to appropriate persons.
- Participate in case staffing and decisions to initiate legal actions for the Family Safety Program.
- Provide all legal services to the Adult Protective Services unit, prepare, adjudicate and manage litigation relating to maltreatment of vulnerable adults.
- Research legal issues, prepare legal memoranda as necessary. Handle appeals of Family Safety Program cases.
- Provide training as necessary for Family Safety Program in the areas of effective testimony, court performance and legal case updates.
- Meet with Family Safety Program prior to court appearances to prepare testimony. Develop timed schedule of cases for Family Safety Court sessions.
- Attend Child Family Team meetings and other meetings at the request of the Family Safety Program Manager.
This position is not responsible for supervising others. Works under the direction of the Senior Associate Attorney General. Develops a course of action and uses independent judgment to achieve objectives.
Education: Juris Doctor Degree required.
Licenses & Certifications: Valid, insurable NC Driver’s License required.
- Knowledge of child and adult protective services is required.
- Knowledge of the Tribal law, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and North Carolina (NC) rules of civil procedure and evidence required.
- Requires knowledge of NC State Bar Code of Professionalism and Ethics.
- Knowledge or willingness to become proficient in best practices in behavioral health and child development issues is a required.
* Disclaimer Statement
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request.
EBCI reserves the right to revise the position description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations. Complete job description is found on application site.
Office of the Attorney General
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