SENIOR REGIONAL COUNSEL

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

4d•$9,488 - $10,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is hiring a Senior Regional Counsel to represent the Department in juvenile court matters in assigned counties, including temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, permanency, status, progress, termination of parental rights, and motion hearings. The position also provides technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting administrative fair hearings and represents the Department in the fair-hearing process. It supervises a subordinate attorney or paralegal and serves as a legal advisor to regional field staff. The role is an opportunity to use legal skills in support of child welfare services. The position interviews Department witnesses, evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication, and provides legal screening and case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors preparing termination-of-parental-rights cases. It serves as the Department’s liaison to the judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and court personnel in the region, and maintains working knowledge of relevant legislation, Department rules and policy, and law. The position requires travel and a valid driver’s license, and the ability to pass a background check. The position is based in Springfield, Illinois, and the stated work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The incumbent is subject to revolving-door restrictions and must file Statements of Economic Interest as described in the posting.

Requirements

Possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
Three years of experience in the practice of law.
Ability to pass a background check.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties.
Appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law.
Experience presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings.
Experience conducting legal analysis as an attorney.
Substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda.
Professional experience working in a liaison capacity with internal and external entities.
Thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules substantially affecting Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS administrative hearings.

Responsibilities

Represent the Department at hearings on juvenile court calendars in assigned counties, including temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, permanency, status, progress, termination of parental rights, and motion hearings.
Provide technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting administrative fair hearings and represent the Department in the fair-hearing process.
Supervise a subordinate attorney or paralegal.
Interview Department witnesses.
Evaluate cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication.
Serve as legal advisor to regional field staff.
Plan, direct, and conduct technical legal screening and provide case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors preparing cases for termination of parental rights and determining when cases are trial ready.
Serve as Department liaison to the judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and court personnel in regional counties.
Maintain current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and relevant law.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the enumerated duties.

Benefits

Pension program.
Competitive group insurance benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
Three paid personal business days annually.
Twelve paid sick days annually, with sick days carrying over from year to year.
Ten to 25 days of paid vacation annually, with 10 days in the first year of employment.
Thirteen paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years.
Flexible work schedules when available and dependent upon position.
Twelve weeks of paid parental leave.
Deferred compensation program as a supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Eligibility for GI Bill training and apprenticeship benefits for qualifying veterans.
Commuter Savings Program for Chicago employees.