Child Services Attorney
The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood.
About the role
The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters. You will assist and represent DCS in court and administrative issues, including Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), Adoptions, Foster Care Licensing Actions, and other child safety issues. You will work closely with Family Case Managers to prepare for court hearings and may serve as legal counsel for internal employment issues. This position provides immediate trial experience and does not encompass billable hours.
This position is located in Terre Haute, Indiana, at the North DCS Office and will serve Vigo County and surrounding counties as needed.
Responsibilities
- Advises Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.
- Drafts and reviews contracts and correspondence.
- Serves as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
- Drafts and reviews legislation and administrative rules.
- Performs legal research and writing assignments.
- Provides general legal support for the Office of General Counsel.
- Oversees contract process for local office attorneys.
- Conducts legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested.
- Litigates Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts representing the agency in such actions.
- Handles administrative matters and hearings as assigned.
- Organizes and manages caseload in preparation for hearings and/or litigation.
- Generates appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
- Delegates to and provides support for any legal support staff.
- Drafts appeals and appellate briefs.
- May be required to participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees.
- May be required to serve as local counsel for the Indiana Office of Attorney General on assigned cases.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.
Requirements
- Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
- Indiana Bar Admission with license in good standing OR admission to the bar of any state within the United States with license in good standing and willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status under the conditions and limitations of rule 6.1 of the Indiana Rules for Admissions to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys pending admission to the Indiana Bar.
Skills
- Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
- Strong communication and public speaking skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Benefits
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options.
- Robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
- 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years.
- Education Reimbursement Program.
- Group life insurance.
- Referral Bonus program.
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
- Free parking for most positions.
- Free LinkedIn Learning access.
Pay
This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010.
Schedule
Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours a week.