Chief Child Services Attorney

State of Indiana•Jeffersonville, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Child Services Attorney operates with a high level of independence and makes decisions, often in crisis situations, that directly affect the safety and well-being of children and families and may have significant financial implications for the agency. The position is based in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and serves Clark County and surrounding counties as needed. The attorney leads and participates in litigation and administrative matters for the Department of Child Services, advises agency staff, and supervises attorneys and other direct reports. The role also works with internal and external partners to support case outcomes and permanency goals. The position is exempt from overtime compensation; employees may work more than 75 hours per pay period without additional compensation and must report at least 75 hours per pay period of work and/or paid leave to receive their base biweekly salary. The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through support and preservation services. Its work includes pursuing permanency through reunification, guardianship, and adoption, as well as foster care, child support, and transitional support for people adjusting to adulthood.

Requirements

Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
Indiana Bar admission with license in good standing.
Ability to apply federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to agency functions and assigned program areas.
Thorough knowledge of the Rules of Evidence and Indiana Rules of Court.
Advanced knowledge of the state's court system and law enforcement agencies.
Advanced knowledge of legal resources and procedures.
Advanced knowledge of the Rules of Ethics and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Ability to communicate articulately in court proceedings.
Ability to use tact and empathy when dealing with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to exercise sound judgment while managing crisis situations, including those involving aggressive adults under investigation.
Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
Ability to give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Display competency in local-office litigation, including CHINS, TPR, CAPTA administrative appeals, foster care licensing hearings, subsidy matters, guardianship, custody, and adoption.
Manage all phases of discovery and lead courtroom litigation in child welfare cases.
Serve as a liaison between Central Office legal management and direct reports.
Monitor staff caseloads, delegate tasks, and supervise the Deputy Chief Counsel and other direct reports.
Assist with recruiting, selecting, onboarding, and training employees; support staff development and complete performance management, appraisals, and reviews; work with HR and supervision on disciplinary matters as needed.
Work with internal case-management partners, including the Regional Manager, to build relationships and support mutual permanency goals.
Communicate with external partners, including courts, CASA/GAL, and public defenders, and share information affecting DCS cases, such as statutory, appellate, or policy changes.
Advise Department of Child Services staff on assigned program and legal areas.
Identify goals and performance metrics and monitor agency metrics to support outcomes for regional cases.
Participate in committees, groups, and events, including Continuous Improvement and Lean events.
Provide input to the Office of the Attorney General regarding regional appeals and appellate briefs.
Supervise contract attorneys assigned within the region, if any.
Conduct legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested; advise and consult with local office attorneys and staff on trial preparation, evidentiary issues, problematic cases, and administrative hearings.
Litigate Child in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights matters at trial court as needed and handle assigned administrative matters and OALP hearings.
Prepare pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses as needed.
Provide or organize coverage for matters that subordinates cannot handle or are unavailable to handle.
Set expectations, measure progress, give ongoing feedback, and evaluate employee performance; ensure work meets quality standards, deadlines, and procedures.

Benefits

Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completing wellness activities.
Health savings account with biweekly state contribution.
Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
Two fully funded pension plan options.
Leave policies including 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave.
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
12 paid holidays, or 14 in election years.
Education Reimbursement Program.
Group life insurance.
Referral Bonus program.
Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Free parking for most positions.
Free LinkedIn Learning access.