DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for a variety of legal and non-legal administrative and managerial functions in the operation of the Onondaga County Law Department. Under general supervision of the County Attorney, an employee in this class is responsible for the effective administration, management and planning of activities in the areas of personnel management and general office management. The work also involves performing a variety of tasks related to the legal proceedings directly associated with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Under the supervision of the County Attorney, the incumbent acts as the Permanency Planning Coordinator, Appeals Coordinator and as a liaison to DCFS on all legal matters related to Family Court proceedings. An employee in this class provides advice and training to DCFS caseworkers and gathers pertinent information to support and draft various legal pleadings and documents. Work is performed with considerable leeway for independent action and judgment, subject to regular conferences with the County Attorney for decisions and direction on significant matters and general supervision from the County Attorney for the purpose of discussion and general information. Direct supervision is exercised over the clerical staff and family court assistants. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Acts as Permanency Planning and Appeals Coordinator for all family court matters relating to foster care children within Onondaga County.

Monitors status of files and compliance with the Adoptions and Safe Families Act (AFSA), which includes ensuring that necessary legal templates are provided to staff.
Liaison to Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Family Court Clerk’s Office.

Prepares and files various legal documents in relation to: termination of parental rights, judicial surrenders, motions for no reasonable efforts, neglect/abuse cases and other related matters.

Incorporates legal references and includes an analysis of precedents involved in relation to the case or matter under discussion.

Searches legal reference files and other sources for information and data required by the Family Court Unit’s attorney in conducting interviews and answering correspondence.

Assembles exhibits, affidavits, legal documents, etc. for the use of attorneys in the preparation of trial cases and collects any additional information that is needed.

Reviews cases scheduled for court and insures quality of case preparation.

Provides support and assistance to the County Attorney.

Performs any legal research or fieldwork required under the supervision of an attorney.

Designs and updates a database which tracks petition filings, trial dates & etc.

Provides personnel management of the non-legal staff by recruiting and interviewing candidates, selecting appropriate candidate for County Attorney's nomination, assigning and reassigning staff responsibilities, monitoring work progress and product, evaluating work performance, and handling personnel problems.

Manages all physical aspects of the office such as space allocations, phones, transportation, mail, security, equipment and related items by centralizing and routinizing these functions for orderly and effective office management.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICSThorough knowledge of the New York State Family Court Act.

Thorough knowledge of Adoption and Safe Families Act.

Thorough knowledge of Domestic Relations Law.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern management, particularly in the areas of personnel and office management.

Working knowledge of NYS foster system.

Working knowledge of reporter system, law digests, legal journals and legal citations.

Working knowledge of the techniques normally employed in preparing legal memoranda, conducting legal research and analyzing legal problems.

Working knowledge of court trial and administrative hearing procedures.

Some knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Some knowledge of County and departmental organizations, policies and procedures.

Ability to independently gather, analyze and organize legal data and information into clear and logical sequence.

Ability to analyze legal issues and identify significant case opinions and facts.

Ability to communicate legal opinions and information clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing.

Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations.

Ability to apply specific techniques of gathering information and presenting it in the proper manner.

Ability to carry out complex assignments with minimum instructions, often under conditions where there is no available precedent.

Ability to delegate responsibilities and to plan, organize and coordinate the work of subordinates.

Ability to maintain a strict code of confidentiality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Promotional:

Four (4) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Family Court Legal Liaison.

Open Competitive:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Doctoral degree in Law.

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience as a certified Paralegal, or its part-time equivalent; or,

C. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Associate’s degree and four (4) years of experience as a certified Paralegal, or its part-time equivalent; or,

D. Six (6) years of experience as a certified Paralegal, or its part-time equivalent.

08/2020 Written