Description:

The Position:
The Child Support Attorney II position works under the general direction of the Principal Attorney. The attorneys work very closely with a dedicated team of Child Support Officers and legal support staff handling a high case volume in a fast-paced environment. Depending on training needs, the successful candidate may receive training prior to appearing in court.

The ideal candidate:

Will demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound judgment and initiative.
Strong customer service skills are required as the position involves a high level of public contact.

Advancement through the Child Support Attorney series is based on seniority and satisfactory performance.

Desirable Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess solid oral and written communications skills, analytical and logical reasoning, time management and multitasking abilities, and the ability to work independently as well as be a contributing member the legal team.
In addition to knowledge of family law basics, some knowledge of probate, bankruptcy and workers compensation law is a desirable, but not required.

The following incentives and bonuses may be available for eligible new hires. Incentives and bonuses are subject to approval by Human Resources:

Vacation Accrual Rate: San Joaquin County vacation accrual rate consistent with the candidate's total years of public service.
Sick Leave: Candidates leaving other employment may receive credit for actual non-reimbursable sick leave hours (up to 160 hours) from their last agency. Hours shall be subject to San Joaquin County's minimum sick leave cash out provisions.

Typical Duties:

Investigates, researches, and prepares child support cases for civil litigation and enforcement or criminal prosecution; prepares and handles appeals of child support civil and criminal cases.
Presents evidence in preliminary hearings in some felony child support enforcement matters; prepares trial briefs and checks questions of law.
Presents and litigates or prosecutes child support cases in the Superior and Municipal Courts; presents opening statements, interrogates and cross examines witnesses; argues points of law, and makes final arguments or summations.
Conducts interviews to obtain or give information; interviews and advises law enforcement officers and the public in regard to the issuance of routine child support establishment complaints, enforcement actions and complaints; advises family support officers and interviewers on questions of law and procedure in particular cases.
Negotiates with attorneys regarding the disposition of civil actions or modification of charges in specific cases; does legal research in specific areas of civil, family and criminal law; analyzes legal issues in pending cases.
Prepares correspondence and reports; reviews progress and development of cases with supervisory deputies; processes child support complaints and claims for County Department of Child Support Services.

Minimum Qualifications:
License/Certificate: Active membership in the State Bar of California. Possession of a valid California Driver's License will be required for most positions in this class.

And Either Pattern I
Experience: One year as a Child Support Attorney I in San Joaquin County or in an equivalent class with a government agency.

Or Pattern II
Experience: One year of full time experience in the practice of family law.

Knowledge:
Principles of criminal and civil law and their application; rules of evidence and the conduct of court proceedings; the laws of California; legal research methods; preparation of briefs and opinions.

Ability:
Analyze legal principles and precedents and to apply them to complex factual legal problems; present arguments and statements of fact and laws clearly and logically in written and oral form; draft opinions, pleadings and briefs; exercise independent judgment, discretion, and initiative concerning their assignments; perform legal research; work cooperatively with others.

Special Requirement: Must be able to pass an extensive background check.

Physical/Mental Requirements:
Mobility-Frequent operation of computers; repetitive motion; sitting for extended periods; walking; occasional driving may be required; Lifting-Frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds; Vision-Constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Normal dexterity with frequent writing and repetitive motions; Hearing/Talking-Frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/Psychological-Frequent decision making, concentration and public contact; occasional exposure to grief; Special Requirements-Some assignments may require working weekends, nights, and/or occasional overtime.