Special Attorney (Non-Merit)

The Office of the Attorney General, Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) General Counsel, is seeking a highly skilled attorney to provide legal support to the department in the administration of the Commonwealth's Title IV D Child Support Program. The position plays a vital role in ensuring legal compliance, fiscal accountability, and program integrity through expert legal drafting, contract review, and policy development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drafts, reviews, and revises legal documents, including contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), request for proposal (RFPs), and policy guidance related to Title IV D operations.
• Provides legal advice and counsel to DCSS leadership and program staff on matters involving state and federal child support statutes, administrative regulations, and compliance standards.
• Assists in the interpretation and implementation of federal regulations under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and related Kentucky statutes.
• Develops and reviews policy and procedure documents to ensure alignment with legal requirements and best practices.
• Represents the program in administrative or quasi-judicial proceedings, as appropriate, under the direction of the Office of General Counsel.
• Conducts legal research and drafts legal opinions, correspondence, and reports concerning program operations, funding, and intergovernmental agreements.
• Collaborates with fiscal and program management staff to ensure contracts and procurement actions meet statutory and policy standards.
• Coordinates with County Attorney partners and other stakeholders to address operational and compliance questions.
• Assists in responding to legislative, audit, or oversight inquiries related to child support laws and funding.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, statutory interpretation, and administrative law.
• Excellent legal writing, drafting, and editing skills with strong attention to detail and clarity.
• Working knowledge of government contracting and procurement law, particularly as applied to service agreements and public funding.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal staff and external partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to propose legally sound and practical solutions.
• Discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced governmental environment.
• Proficiency with legal research platforms (e.g. Westlaw) and Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Word and Excel functions used in drafting, and document tracking.
• Experience with child support enforcement (Title IV D) programs or related human services programs.
• Prior government experience in contract drafting, procurement, or program compliance.
• Familiarity with federal child support regulations (45 CFR Parts 302, 303, and 304).
• Familiarity with ADA compliance, personnel matters, and, or, employment law.

Minimum Requirements:
Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Experience, Training, or Skills: Five (5) years of experience practicing law, preferably involving government, administrative, contract, or family law

Substitute Education for Experience: None

substitute experience for education: None

Special Requirements (Age, Licensure, Regulation, Etc.): Must be an active member in good standing with the Kentucky Bar Association (or eligible for immediate reciprocity)

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Stacy Byrns-Taulbee at stacy.byrnstaulbee@ky.gov or (502) 696-5300.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D