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

• 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

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

• 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
• Litigation skills
• Public speaking
• Legal support
• Legal training
• Litigating CHINS and TPR cases
• Administrative matters and hearings
• Legal training for Family Case Managers
• Appeals and appellate briefs
• Committees, groups, or teams
• Local counsel for the Indiana Office of Attorney General

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• 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, 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
• Cumulative 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Schedule

This position is in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and will serve Montgomery County, and surrounding counties as needed. Hours: Monday- Friday, 37.5 hours per week. This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work.