Child Services Attorney

About the role

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions! 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.

Responsibilities

• Advise Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.
• Draft and review contracts and correspondence.
• Liaise with the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
• Draft and review legislation and administrative rules.
• Perform legal research and writing assignments.
• Provide general legal support for the Office of General Counsel.
• Oversee contract process for local office attorneys.
• Conduct legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested.
• Litigate Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts, representing the agency in such actions.
• Handle administrative matters and hearings as assigned.
• Organize and manage caseload in preparation for hearings and/or litigation.
• Generate appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
• Delegate to, and provide support for, legal support staff.
• Draft 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.

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 admissions to the Indiana Bar.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Additional Qualifications: 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.

Skills

• Legal research and writing skills.
• Public speaking and communication skills.
• Statutes, case law, and rules knowledge.

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.
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs.
• Group life insurance.
• Free Parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Pay

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and job experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Schedule

This position is Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours a week.