SOCIAL SERVICES ATTORNEY III

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

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Department of Human Services

Baltimore City Department of Social Services

Legal Department

1510 Guildford Avenue

Baltimore MD 21213

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 (BCDSS) 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.

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 confidentiality 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.  

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 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 state and agency employment.

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 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.

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 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 law 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.

Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

If you any questions about this recruitment, please call 443-378-4551. 

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application to: DHS/Baltimore City Department of Social Services, attn: Joyce Carter, 1910 N. Broadway, Baltimore MD 21213.  

TTY  Users: call via Maryland Relay

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.