SENIOR REGIONAL COUNSEL

State of Illinois•Peoria, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.

Requirements

Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Requires three years of experience in the practice of law
Requires the ability to pass a background check
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties
Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
Requires filing a Statement of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State
Requires filing the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission

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 the areas of 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 have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings

Responsibilities

Serves as Senior Regional Counsel
Interviews Department witnesses
Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication
Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
Serves as Department liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and various court personnel in numerous counties in the region
Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
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)