Description:

Role Overview:
The Child Services Attorney provides legal guidance and services for DCS central and county offices. You will guide staff in matters related to child welfare, child support, and juvenile matters. You will work closely with family case managers to assess issues and to prepare for court hearings. Specifically, you will represent the State in Child in Need of Service (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), adoptions, foster care licensing, and other general legal issues relating to child safety.

You will also represent and assist the Agency in administrative and court matters. This requires trial experience and does not encompass billable hours. The work week is Monday- Friday. Hours are determined by need and will equal 37.5 hours a week.

This position is lin Madison, Indiana, and serves Jefferson County.

Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010 annually but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A day in the life:
The essential functions are:

Advise Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.
Draft and review contracts and correspondence.
Serve as a liaison to 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 Court.
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 any 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.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee's activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per two-week pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

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.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.