Child Services Attorney

State of Indiana•Bloomfield, IN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation: Mission: Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination. Vision: Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home. Purpose: Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Requirements

Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
Indiana Bar Admission with license in good standing OR admission to the bar of any state within the United States with license in good standing and willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status under the conditions and limitations of rule 6.1 of the Indiana Rules for Admissions to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys pending admissions to the Indiana Bar.
Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
Strong communication and public speaking skills.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters.
Assists and represents DCS in court and administrative issues.
Represents DCS in Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), Adoptions, Foster Care Licensing Actions, and other child safety issues.
Works closely with Family Case Managers to prepare for court hearings.
May serve as legal counsel for internal employment issues.
Advises Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.
Drafts and reviews contracts and correspondence.
Serves as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
Drafts and reviews legislation and administrative rules.
Performs legal research and writing assignments.
Provides general legal support for the Office of General Counsel.
Oversees contract process for local office attorneys.
Conducts legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested.
Litigates Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts representing the agency in such actions.
Handles administrative matters and hearings as assigned.
Organizes and manages caseload in preparation for hearings and/or litigation.
Generates appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
Delegates to and provides support for any legal support staff.
Drafts appeals and appellate briefs.
May be required to participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees.
May be required to serve as local counsel for the Indiana Office of Attorney General on assigned cases.

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Robust benefits package
Commitment to work-life balance
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
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 time off
12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
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