DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves performing a variety of tasks related to the legal proceedings directly associated with Department of Social Services (DSS) Children’s Services Unit. Under the supervision of the Chief Deputy County Attorney, the incumbent acts as the Permanency Planning Coordinator, Appeals Coordinator and as a liaison to DSS on all legal matters related to Family Court proceedings. An employee in this class provides advice and training to DSS caseworkers and gathers pertinent information to support and draft various legal pleadings and documents. Supervises lower level staff. 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 DSS’ Children’s services Unit 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 Family Court Unit’s Chief Deputy 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 administration duties to include supervision of lower level staff, interviewing candidates and payroll processing.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the New York State Family Court Act.

Thorough knowledge of Adoption and Safe Families Act.

Thorough knowledge of Domestic Relations Law.

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.

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 maintain a strict code of confidentiality.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Promotional:

Four (4) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Paralegal.

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.

03/2016 Revised