Child Services Attorney
About The Position
The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and services to the Department of Child Services Central Office, County Offices, and staff on juvenile law related to child welfare, child support, and personnel matters. The attorney assists and represents DCS in court and administrative matters, including CHINS cases, termination of parental rights, adoptions, foster care licensing actions, and other child safety issues. The role works closely with Family Case Managers to prepare for court hearings and may provide legal counsel on internal employment matters. It offers immediate trial experience and does not involve billable hours. The position is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and serves Allen County and surrounding counties as needed. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week. This position is exempt from overtime compensation; additional work hours may be required to complete essential functions or assigned work, and are not additionally compensated.
Requirements
- Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
- Indiana Bar admission with a license in good standing, or admission to the bar of any U.S. state with a license in good standing and willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status under Rule 6.1 of the Indiana Rules for Admissions to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys while awaiting Indiana Bar admission.
- Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
- Strong communication and public speaking skills.
- Ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
- Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Responsibilities
- Advise Department of Child Services staff on assigned program and legal matters.
- Manage all phases of discovery and lead courtroom litigation in support of child welfare cases.
- Draft and review legal correspondence.
- Serve as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
- Draft and review legislation and administrative rules.
- Perform legal research and writing assignments.
- Provide general legal support for the Office of General Counsel.
- Conduct legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested.
- Litigate Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in state courts on behalf of the agency.
- Handle assigned administrative matters and hearings.
- Organize and manage caseloads in preparation for hearings and litigation.
- Prepare pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
- Delegate to and support legal support staff.
- Participate in committees, groups, or teams, such as screen-out committees, as required.
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 bi-weekly state contributions.
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
