Senior Attorney

State of Indiana•Indianapolis, IN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana. About the Department of Child Services: Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions! 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. Role Overview: The Senior Attorney researches and advises staff about complex legal issues and questions to align agency operations to federal and state legislation. You will draft memorandums of law through an agency impact lens. You will review and analyze issues impacting child welfare law, Indiana Code, and DCS policy. The role requires knowledge education, foster parent licensing, residential facility licensing, immigration, and child welfare. Experience with related federal regulations data systems and software is desired. This position is located in the Central DCS Offices at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Requirements

A Doctorate of Jurisprudence with 5+ years of legal experience as a practicing attorney.
Indiana Bar Admission license in good standing.
Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
Ability to successfully utilize a case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders.
Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with related federal regulations data systems and software is desired.

Responsibilities

May train, manage, delegate to, and/or provide support for any legal support staff.
Advises and provides legal support to agency staff on various program and legal areas.
May oversee, draft, review, or provide legal advice relating to contracts.
Researches, interprets, and provides legal advice in relation to laws, rules, policies, and legal opinions pertaining to agency operations.
May draft and review legislation and administrative rules.
Utilizes legal resources, dockets, legal files, and official records relating to legal procedures.
Creates, prepares, and distributes documents related to hearings, including orders and decisions.
Recruits, selects, onboards, and trains employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
Sets expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.
May handle administrative matters and hearings while maintaining appropriate decorum, hear evidence, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and/or make reasoned decisions supported by evidence.
May be required to utilize litigation skills and experience relating to agency operations.
Organizes and manages caseload in the preparation of hearings and/or litigation.
May review pleadings, motions, and discovery.
May draft appeals or briefs, or perform legal writing assignments.

Benefits

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
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 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 on 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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