Closing Date: 14th April, 2026
Description:
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, and Families has a full-time vacancy for Supervising Regional Attorney.Summary:
Administers and oversees the work of subordinate Division for Children, Youth and Families (“DCYF”) Staff Attorneys and DCYF Lead Attorneys, including direct supervision, litigation planning, long-term policies, legal strategies and interpreting federal and state statutes, rules case law, precedent, etc., training needs, and evaluations. Manages and oversees DCYF litigation and legal representation activities in multiple District Offices as assigned.
Your Experience Counts: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
Minimum Qualifications:
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and six years' experience in the active practice of law.
License/Certification: Must be a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in Good Standing. Must hold a valid NH driver's licenses and/or have access to transportation for use in statewide travel.
Special Requirements:
Must possess a thorough knowledge of judicial procedures and rules; common, statutory and constitutional laws of the state of New Hampshire; court and legal procedures; state and federal laws relating to Child Protection; and the principles and methods of supervision, administration, and systems in the area of law.
Must have the demonstrated ability to: provide effective oversight of highly complex court cases; prepare legal pleadings; briefs and memoranda of law; perform legal research; render effective decisions and deal tactfully with the courts, law enforcement officials, DCYF staff and management as well as the public.
Must be able to manage people, including evaluating skills, performance, and workloads.
Disclaimer Statement: The supplemental job description lists typical examples of work and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to a position. Any employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.
Responsibilities:
Directs, coordinates, monitors and evaluates the legal work performed by DCYF Attorneys located in multiple District Offices throughout the State. Monitors DCYF District Office legal operational activities to ensure efficient and effective allocation of attorney resources by continuous evaluation of litigation in which DCYF is involved.
Directly supervises multiple DCYF Attorneys in all aspects of their legal representation and litigation duties for the DCYF. Ensures best legal practice and attorney competencies through ongoing consultation and training.
Administers all aspects of the regional operation of legal services and representation for DCYF social workers, and program specialists, including evaluating and planning legal strategies and procedures in accordance with federal and state statutory and regulatory mandates.
Provides legal training to DCYF Attorneys, DCYF and DHHS staff, as well as to external partners and stakeholders in Child Protective law, regulations, rules and legal practice including operations of the New Hampshire Circuit Court.
Advises the DCYF Legal Director, and senior DCYF management staff on legal representation, litigation activity, legislation, Special Investigation and associated administrative matters.
Confers with DHHS Administrators, outside attorneys, and judges in matters concerning DCYF program operations.
Represents DCYF in court, in pre-hearings and in administrative hearings including matters before the DHHS Administrative Appeals Unit, and other legal venues including in the superior court for criminal cases and circuit court for juvenile, marital or other matters when DCYF is involved with a family or child.
Ensures that staff and lead attorneys receive a timely performance appraisal at least once per year and approves annual increments for subordinate Attorneys who achieve satisfactory work performance.