Description:

Who We Are:
Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) is a large, metropolitan child welfare agency with more than 300 caseworkers and 400 support staff members dedicated to child protection and family stability. FCCS believes in investing our time and resources to attract and hire an engaged, talented, and diverse workforce that is committed to protecting children by strengthening families.

What You Will Do – Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Employee is under general supervision of the Court Services Supervisor; works within the Legal Department to assist casework staff in reaching well-informed and plausible decisions regarding future actions on legal aspects of child welfare cases; prepares and presents cases for court; conducts legal research and offers legal advice, particularly in the areas of intake and service; creates and supports communication with the Franklin County Juvenile Court; regularly acts as liaison with the Prosecutor's office, Public Defender's office and other practicing attorneys, casework staff, agency administration and the Legal Department.
Assists in court coverage for all dockets covered by court liaisons. Represents the agency and advocates to protect the agency's interests in all pre-dispositional cases as needed. Identifies gaps in agency practice that impact court orders. Assists in the exchange of information between all parties; assists agency staff with legal issues on cases; answers legal questions and/or refers to or confers with prosecutor's office with respect to pre-dispositional cases.
Assists in maintaining pre-dispositional legal files for all cases, including providing legal advice on the needed service of process for pre-dispositional complaints filed by FCCS/Court Liaison Office in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure and the Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedure. Assists in filing and ensuring accurate service of process on all parties and interested persons; communicates with casework staff to discuss legal issues in child welfare cases.
Develops pleadings, motions and other legal documents for filing in court based upon legal knowledge and research as well as information learned; assists in preparing and maintaining legal files for all prepared cases; assists in the exchange of information between all parties related to such court filings; responsible for A/N/D cases and DUTY coverage as assigned by Deputy Chief Legal Counsel; works with staff to prepare contested cases for trial; interviews and prepares witnesses, seeks out documentary evidence; regularly meets with supervisor and other Legal Department staff, and maintains statistics regarding caseload to be submitted monthly or as otherwise required by department policy.
Counsels and trains agency staff regarding child welfare practice; reviews and assists with policy development through the provision of legal analysis and advice through committee assignment. Attends staff development training meetings and other unit/department meetings. Actively participates in any workgroup assignments. Attends supervisory conferences. Completes additional reporting/statistics as requested.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

What we offer you:

Hiring Bonus up to $1,500
Quality benefits including low-Cost Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Generous Vacation, Sick and Personal leave accruals along with 10 paid holidays
Retirement Pension through the Ohio Public employment Retirement System
457(b) retirement savings plan through Ohio Deferred Compensation
No Cost Life Insurance Coverage up to $50,000
Tuition Reimbursement
EAP Program
Personal and Financial Wellness opportunities through the Franklin County ThriveOn Program
A true hybrid work environment!
More!

What You Bring To The Role:

Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code.

What we hope you bring to the role:

Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of law and related experience with abuse, neglect, dependency cases
Must demonstrate cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competence throughout all aspects of job duties.

Certifications or Licensure:
Current Licensure to practice law in the State of Ohio. A valid Ohio Driver's License and automobile insurance that is in compliance with Franklin County Children Services policy is required for travel. Travel can occasionally include out of state travel which may require airline travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

ADA Statement: Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. Franklin County Children Services is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Job-specific Physical Requirements:
Sits, walks, drives, and stands throughout the day. May be required to lift up to 30 pounds.