Attorney II TPR/CHINS

City Of Indianapolis • Indianapolis, IN

441d • $81,998 - $81,998

About The Position

The Attorney II position at the Marion County Public Defender Agency is responsible for providing effective legal representation to indigent parents in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) cases. The role requires independent judgment and decision-making in complex legal matters, ensuring that the rights and interests of clients are upheld within the child welfare system. The position emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders and advocates for the best outcomes for families involved in legal proceedings.

Requirements

• Juris Doctorate and license to practice law required.
• Prior experience in TPR/CHINS work for at least one year.
• Experience having taken a termination of parental rights case through trial as a first- or second-chair attorney.
• Strong verbal, written, communication and presentation skills are required along with top level interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Computer knowledge a must.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Appears frequently in court to advocate for parents involved with the child welfare system through CHINS and TPR cases, including pre-trial advocacy, bench trials, and post-adjudication advocacy in CHINS matters.
• Conducts legal and factual review of cases; interviews clients, service providers, and other witnesses; evaluates legal and factual strength of CHINS and TPR cases.
• Advises clients regarding both legal matters and practical considerations in navigating the child welfare system to prevent family separation, to reunify families separated through the child welfare system, and to successfully conclude parents' involvement with the Department of Child Services.
• Negotiates with Department of Child Services and advocates for parents with service providers and others to achieve parents' objectives in child welfare matters and to limit the harm to families caused by involvement with the child welfare system.
• Communicates frequently with clients in person, by phone or video conference, and in written communications; keeps clients and families informed regarding case progress and developments.
• Collaborates with social workers on multi-disciplinary strategies to achieve client's objectives.
• Delegates assignments to paralegals and investigations when appropriate.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree