Senior Regional Counsel

State of Illinois•Springfield, MO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, results-oriented attorney to serve as Senior Regional Counsel. Under administrative direction, the position represents 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. The role also provides technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting administrative fair hearings, represents the Department in the fair-hearing process, and supervises a subordinate attorney or paralegal. The Senior Regional Counsel serves as a legal advisor to regional field staff and works with caseworkers and supervisors to prepare cases, including cases for termination of parental rights. The role also serves as a liaison with the judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and court personnel across multiple counties. The position is based in Springfield, Illinois, and requires travel in the performance of duties. The Department describes this as an opportunity to use legal skills to benefit child welfare services.

Requirements

Possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
At least three years of experience in the practice of law.
Ability to pass a background check.
Ability to travel in the performance of duties.
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law.
Experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings.
Experience as an attorney conducting legal analysis.
Substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda.
Professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities.
Thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that substantially affect 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 is seeking expunction or an indication.
Serve as legal advisor to regional field staff.
Plan, direct, and conduct technical legal screening and provide case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to prepare cases for termination of parental rights and determine when cases are trial ready for termination of parental rights.
Serve as the Department’s liaison to the judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and court personnel in numerous counties in the region.
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 listed duties.

Benefits

Pension program.
Competitive group insurance benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
3 paid personal business days annually.
12 paid sick days annually, with sick days carrying over from year to year.
10–25 days of paid vacation annually; 10 days in the first year of employment.
13 paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years.
Flexible work schedules when available and dependent on position.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Deferred Compensation Program, a supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax programs, including Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
Eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits eligibility for qualifying veterans.
5% salary differential for bilingual positions.
Commuter Savings Program for Chicago employees.
Competitive compensation plan.