Closing Date: 16th January, 2026

Description:

Job Summary - Why you'll love this position
The Division of Legal Services (DLS) is looking for a Special Counsel to join our team supporting the Children's Division.

Annual Salary: $77,587.50 - $95,350.41

Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g., shift, or time-of-service pay).

Job Posting Number: 4131 8869122

Job Location: Statewide (location negotiable)

All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

Why you'll love this position: The Department of Social Services (DSS) partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth, and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy, and productive lives. DLS supports the legal needs of the Department, and attorneys within the division enjoy a diverse practice within multiple areas of the law, including state rulemaking, and federal regulatory interpretation, compliance, and advocacy.

Responsibilities - What you'll do
As Special Counsel for CD, you will work directly with the Deputy Chief of Special Counsel, Division Director, and Deputy Division Directors on special projects, including providing a host of legal services, often collaborating across divisions to give consistent and sound legal advice allowing CD to operate their programs within the parameters of federal and state laws and regulations. You will conduct legal research and contribute to advising, drafting, and reviewing divisional policy and state regulations, legal documents and opinions, and contracts and Memorandums of Understanding for DLS and CD. You will be responsible for reviewing fiscal notes pertaining to CD and DLS. You will provide consultative support to the Missouri Attorney General (AGO) Litigation Unit on litigation where DSS and/or the CD Program is named as defendant and actively participate in and/or present at departmental and divisional meetings, cross-divisional meetings, and cross-departmental meetings. You will work in close collaboration with the Director of CD and the CD Policy Unit.

You must be well-organized, able to perform case analyses, spot issues, and be proficient with time management.

Qualifications - All you need for success
Minimum Qualifications: A juris doctor from an accredited institution and membership in The Missouri Bar. Experience in litigation and a background in administrative law and juvenile law are preferred but not required. Excellent research and writing skills are required.

Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional license which is only available to holders of specific post-secondary degrees.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to review, analyze, and/or interpret federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as related to the assigned programs.
Familiarity with the work of the Department of Social Services or a related agency in state or federal government.
Knowledge of Juvenile law.
Experience with Administrative practice with the Administrative Hearing Commission.
Strong communication and advocacy skills.
Ability to manage a diverse caseload with efficiency and attention to detail.
Willingness to work in varied settings and adapt as necessary.
Collaborative spirit to work effectively with support staff and legal team members.
Openness to continuous learning and participation in training programs.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience at an executive level in a large agency; the ability to motivate staff and exact culture and systemic change; and a heart for service and passion for helping others. Strong leadership and decision-making skills are critical to success in this position. Candidates should have a commitment to collaborative working relationships.

Job Details - More reasons to love this position
More reasons to love this position: The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here. (https://oa.mo.gov/personnel/applicants)

Contact Details - If you have questions or require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process please contact:
If you have questions about this position, please contact Joyce Luebbering at Joyce.Luebbering@dss.mo.gov . If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing and maintaining a talented workforce.