Child Services Attorney

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 also assist and represent DCS in court and administrative issues.

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.

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.
• Communication and public speaking.

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, 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.
• 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 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.