Description
Position Summary
Legal Assistants in the Child Welfare Unit meet with Department of Human Services (“DHS”) social work service managers and Community Umbrella Agencies (“CUA”) case managers to discuss proposed and pending court cases, draft dependent petitions which are filed in the Dependent Branch of Family Court following these interviews, and review DHS case records in order to prepare petitions seeking either Voluntary Or Involuntary Termination Of Parental Rights, or Permanent Legal Custody. They also prepare related documents and gather necessary information in order to supplement these pleadings. The legal assistants occasionally expunge DHS case records of confidential information for review by outside parties and appear at Pre-Hearing Conferences at Family Court on behalf of the Law Department.
Essential Functions
The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law.
- Drafting dependent and permanency petitions;
- Assisting attorneys with the logistics of case management, and document preparation and presentation;
- Reviewing and expunging DHS and CUA case records of confidential information for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting these files; and
- Attending Pre-Hearing Conferences at Family court on behalf for the Law Department.
Requirements
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent organizational skills
- Effective and professional oral and written communication
- Ability to work independently and think proactively
- Ability to manage and prioritize numerous assignments
- Computer skills required/desired for the position include:
MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access)
Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms)
Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets, OpenOffice Calc)
Email (mail merge, filters, folders, rules)
Presentations/Slideshows (PowerPoint, Google Slides, OpenOffice Impress, Tableu)
Microsoft Teams, Zoom and other virtual platforms
- Experience with electronic filing through PACfile
- Ability to complete work projects in a timely and accurate manner
- Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
Qualifications (Education and Experience)
Preferred candidate will possess an Associates degree, paralegal certificate or equivalent and have executive assistant experience, preferably in a legal setting.
Work Location & Onsite Expectations
This position is designated as fully onsite, and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.
Who Thrives in This Role
This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making real-time decisions, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment.
Additional Information
Did you know?
- Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
- Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
- We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program-qualified employer
- 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Our wellness program offers eligibility for the discounted medical plan.
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Generous retirement savings options are available.
Interested candidates should apply through SmartRecruiters: https://smrtr.io/yVgz5
Any questions related to this position should be directed to Karen Fortune, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Child Welfare Unit (karen.fortune@phila.gov).
The successful candidate must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of hire.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information, or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
