Closing Date: 31st October, 2026

Description:

Job Summary - Why you'll love this position
The Division of Legal Services (DLS) is seeking a dedicated and mission‑driven Staff Attorney to join our Southwest Regional Litigation team. As a DLS Staff Attorney, you'll serve as legal counsel for the Department in the Southwest region/area, advising its program divisions on a wide range of legal issues and helping promote safety, stability, and positive outcomes for children and families. Hybrid work options are available following a required in-office onboarding period. Once trained, attorneys may work a portion of their schedule remotely, consistent with agency policies and office needs.

Job Posting Number: 4106 8869033

Annual salary: $74,974.80 - $90,189.58 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 Location: This position is located at 601 Commercial Avenue, Joplin, Missouri 64801. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.

Schedule: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with flexibility and hybrid work options to support your professional goals and workload.

Why you'll love this position: Are you driven by public service and ready to step straight into meaningful courtroom work? As a Staff Attorney with the Division of Legal Services (DLS), you will take on active litigation responsibilities that support the Department of Social Services (DSS) and advance permanency outcomes for Missouri children through reunification, guardianship, adoption, and other planned permanent living arrangements.

You will become part of a statewide team of attorneys who value collaboration, purpose, and professional growth. This role places you at the center of juvenile and civil litigation practice in your region, with daily opportunities to advocate in court, shape outcomes for families, and help overcome legal barriers to permanency for children. If you're seeking a position where your legal skills make a direct and lasting impact, we invite you to apply.

Responsibilities - What you'll do
As a Staff Attorney, you will manage a diverse caseload that offers both courtroom exposure and substantive civil litigation experience. Your responsibilities will include:

Representing DSS in juvenile court, administrative hearings, and other proceedings, often appearing in court early in your tenure.
Managing civil litigation related to child welfare matters, including motions, evidentiary hearings, negotiations, and trial preparation.
Providing legal advice to DSS and its divisions on a wide range of issues.
Defending child abuse and neglect determinations made by DSS in circuit court.
Ensuring confidentiality and compliance with state and federal requirements.
Collaborating with DSS staff to support case strategy and permanency planning.
This role offers the unique combination of litigation, collaboration, and public service, and is ideal for attorneys who want meaningful courtroom experience with a strong mission-driven focus.

This role offers the unique combination of litigation, collaboration, and public service, and is ideal for attorneys who want meaningful courtroom experience with a strong mission-driven focus.

Growth Opportunities

We are committed to helping you build a strong and rewarding legal career. In this position, you will have:
Immediate opportunities to develop litigation skills in juvenile and civil matters.
Collaboration with experienced attorneys across the state.
Advancement pathways within DLS and DSS.
Opportunities to lead complex cases, build subject‑matter expertise, and develop trial experience.
Opportunities for involvement in statewide initiatives and committees.

Benefits:
DLS provides a supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Retirement and pension benefits through MOSERS.
Paid vacation, sick leave, and state holidays.
Hybrid work options are available following a required in‑office onboarding period. Once trained, attorneys may work a portion of their schedule remotely, consistent with agency policies and office needs.
Training and continuing legal education opportunities.
Employee assistance programs and wellness resources.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.

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

Job Details - 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.

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: Jon Wagner at Jon.Wagner@dss.mo.gov or call 417-895-6539. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416.

Recruitment Area: All Qualified Applicants

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026