Child Support Attorney III

Humboldt County; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Humboldt seeks a Child Support Attorney III to handle advanced litigation and advisory work in child support matters, under general direction. This role may supervise other attorneys and participate in training.

Responsibilities include investigating, researching, preparing cases for litigation, advising law enforcement and staff, negotiating settlements, and presenting cases in Municipal and Superior Courts. A California Bar must be active.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the State Bar of California.
• Two years of experience as a general practicing attorney.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license may be required.

Responsibilities

• Investigates, researches, and prepares child support cases for litigation or prosecution.
• Interviews and advises complainants, law enforcement personnel, and the public in regard to prosecuting child support cases.
• Litigates or prosecutes cases in all courts of the county.
• Negotiates with attorneys regarding the disposition of civil matters and/or modification of charges in specific cases.
• Assists other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases.
• Advises Department staff on questions of law and procedure in particular cases.
• Prepares briefs and opinions concerning the law as applied to matters within the department.
• Assists in preparing filings and prosecuting cases before Appellate Courts.
• May give presentations to law enforcement agencies and public groups on child support legal issues and processes.
• May exercise lead supervision over other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases.
• May assist in training less experienced attorneys.

Skills

California child law

Civil and criminal law principles

Trial and courtroom procedures

Legal research methods

Negotiation techniques

Ethical and professional standards

Effective communication

Advice to law enforcement

Diversity and inclusion awareness

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Performs a variety of professional legal work in child support civil and criminal cases; provides legal advice and assistance in child support issues to Department and law enforcement staff; advises clients and the public on legal procedures regarding child support; may be the attorney of record in all legal actions and proceedings filed on behalf of the Department with the courts and administrative law agencies; and performs related work as required.

Child Support Attorney III

Working under general direction, Child Support Attorney III is the advanced journey level in the Child Support Attorney series. Employees at this level are expected to perform assignments that cover the entire range of child support litigation and advice activities, and may provide lead supervision over other attorneys, and may assist in training less experienced attorneys. Positions may be permanently allocated to level III due to the nature of the work. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower level of Child Support Attorney II, or if filled from the outside, require prior related experience.

• Investigates, researches, and prepares child support cases for litigation or prosecution.
• Interviews and advises complainants, law enforcement personnel, and the public in regard to prosecuting child support cases.
• Litigates or prosecutes cases in all courts of the county.
• Negotiates with attorneys regarding the disposition of civil matters and/or modification of charges in specific cases.
• Assists other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases.
• Advises Department staff on questions of law and procedure in particular cases.
• Prepares briefs and opinions concerning the law as applied to matters within the department.
• Assists in preparing filings and prosecuting cases before Appellate Courts.
• May give presentations to law enforcement agencies and public groups on child support legal issues and processes.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• May exercise lead supervision over other attorneys in the investigation, research, and preparation of the more complex cases.
• May assist in training less experienced attorneys.

Knowledge Of:

• California civil and criminal codes related to child law.
• Principles of civil, criminal, constitutional and administrative law.
• Trial and courtroom procedures and practices.
• Administrative law procedures.
• Legal research methods.
• Rules of evidence.
• Standard legal office practices and procedures.
• Negotiating techniques relative to child law, criminal law, and child support issues.
• Ethical and professional standards of conduct.

Ability To:

• Research, analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence and precedents to child law and child support issues.
• Prepare and present statements of law and fact.
• Argue clearly, logically and persuasively in written and oral form on child law and child support issues.
• Prepare and present cases in Municipal and Superior courts.
• Negotiate settlements.
• Manage an assigned caseload and perform quality legal work under pressure of deadlines.
• Maintain confidentiality and objectivity.
• Understand and accept differences in human behavior, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Prepare and maintain clear, concise and comprehensive records, reports and correspondence.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Train and mentor less experienced attorneys.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience)

Child Support Attorney I: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited law school.

Child Support Attorney II: One (1) year of experience as a general practicing attorney.

Child Support Attorney III: Two (2) years of experience as a general practicing attorney.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ALL LEVELS

Active membership in the State Bar of California.

DRIVER LICENSE REQUIREMENT

Some positions in this classification may require possession of a valid California driver's license. Employees who drive on County business to carry out job-related duties must possess a valid California driver's license for the class of vehicle driven and meet automobile insurability requirements of the County. Eligibility for employment for those who do not meet this requirement due to disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways – oftentimes, outside of formal institutions – and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicant’s qualifications for a position.

If you’re excited about this role but your past work experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs, activities, and employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please contact Human Resources immediately at [phone] so arrangements can be made.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver’s license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County’s intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.