Legislative & Policy Counsel

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Legislative & Policy Counsel. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited law school
Possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Three years of administrative experience in the practice of law

Nice To Haves

4 years of professional experience in reviewing and interpreting proposed rules and legislation
4 years of experience as an attorney conducting legal research and drafting legal opinions
4 years of experience as an attorney drafting and providing legal counsel regarding proposed legislation, rules, and/or policies
3 years of professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities
4 years of experience with child welfare-related statutes and rules that govern or may have a substantial impact on DCFS’ operations

Responsibilities

Serves as Legislative and Policy Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services
Serves as liaison between the Office of Child and Family Policy and Legislative Affairs to ensure continuity and alignment in the development and implementation of Rules and Procedures necessary to carry out newly enacted legislation
Serves as Department liaison to members of the General Assembly, Congress, and their staff
Represents and communicates the Department’s interests on legislative matters and engages with elected officials and staff regarding legislation, proposed statutory changes, and legislative agendas
Establishes and maintains systems and procedures to monitor and track various legislative proposals
Serves as a subject matter expert for the Department on newly enacted legislation, revisions to existing statutes, agency rules and procedures, and all other relevant law
Provides testimony before the General Assembly and Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) to present the Department’s viewpoint and legal opinion regarding current and proposed rules and legislation and ramifications on the Department, foster and adoptive parents, children, and families
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Benefits

A Pension Program
Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)