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SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEY III

Recruitment #21-006686-0002

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Introduction

This is a Special Appointment position and 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 Avenue
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

Prepares and litigates cases and matters on behalf of BCDSS before the Circuit, Juvenile, and District Courts, as assigned, to enable the agency to meet its child welfare, adult protective service, and confidentially mandates.

Provides legal advice to agency staff, which shall include an assessment of the options available to accomplish staff goals and minimize the potential for agency liability.

Provides legal advice and representation to the agency on evenings, weekends, and holidays when assigned "on call" coverage.

Performs the following miscellaneous duties:

Provides training to agency adult and child welfare staff on legal issues relevant to the performance of staff duties.

Comments on proposed legislation and changes in court rules.

Recommends changes in agency and Legal Services policies and procedures to improve the work of the division and the agency.

Alerts appropriate Legal Service supervisory staff of problems, if any, with the adequacy of the work of the legal assistants, secretaries and other support personnel.

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 Resources in accordance with an Opinion of the Attorney General date 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

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

  • 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's attorney.
  • Experience or expressed interest in public service law or serving as an advocate in an unrelated field, such as community activist/services, 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 activist/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.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

The ideal candidate must be willing to work in Baltimore City.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. 

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Baltimore City Department of Social Services at 443-378-4551.

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 may be required to bring and official transcript with you.

Online applications are STRONGLY preferred; however, the paper application may be submitted to Baltimore City Department of Social Services, Attn: Joyce Carter, 1910 N. Broadway, 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.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.




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