Special Attorney (Non-Merit)
About The Position
The Office of the Attorney General, Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) General Counsel, is seeking an attorney to provide legal support to the department in administering the Commonwealth’s Title IV-D Child Support Program. The role supports legal compliance, fiscal accountability, and program integrity through legal drafting, contract review, and policy development. The attorney advises DCSS leadership and program staff on applicable state and federal law, assists with regulatory interpretation and implementation, and develops or reviews policies and procedures. The position may represent the program in administrative or quasi-judicial proceedings under the direction of the Office of General Counsel, and works with fiscal and program staff, County Attorney partners, and other stakeholders on contracts, procurement, operational questions, and compliance. The attorney also conducts research and prepares legal opinions, correspondence, and reports, and assists with legislative, audit, or oversight inquiries.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
- Five years of experience practicing law, preferably involving government, administrative, contract, or family law.
- Must be an active member in good standing with the Kentucky Bar Association or eligible for immediate reciprocity.
Nice To Haves
- Comprehensive knowledge of legal principles, statutory interpretation, and administrative law.
- Excellent legal writing, drafting, and editing skills, with strong attention to detail and clarity.
- Working knowledge of government contracting and procurement law, particularly as applied to service agreements and public funding.
- Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal staff and external partners.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to propose legally sound and practical solutions.
- Discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling sensitive or confidential matters.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced governmental environment.
- Proficiency with legal research platforms such as Westlaw and Microsoft Office applications, including advanced Word and Excel functions used in drafting and document tracking.
- Experience with child support enforcement (Title IV-D) programs or related human services programs.
- Prior government experience in contract drafting, procurement, or program compliance.
- Familiarity with federal child support regulations (45 CFR Parts 302, 303, and 304).
- Familiarity with ADA compliance, personnel matters, and/or employment law.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and revise contracts, memoranda of understanding, requests for proposals, and policy guidance related to Title IV-D operations.
- Provide legal advice and counsel to DCSS leadership and program staff on state and federal child support statutes, administrative regulations, and compliance standards.
- Assist in interpreting and implementing federal regulations under the Code of Federal Regulations and related Kentucky statutes.
- Develop and review policy and procedure documents to ensure alignment with legal requirements and best practices.
- Represent the program in administrative or quasi-judicial proceedings, as appropriate, under the direction of the Office of General Counsel.
- Conduct legal research and draft legal opinions, correspondence, and reports concerning program operations, funding, and intergovernmental agreements.
- Collaborate with fiscal and program management staff to ensure contracts and procurement actions meet statutory and policy standards.
- Coordinate with County Attorney partners and other stakeholders to address operational and compliance questions.
- Assist in responding to legislative, audit, or oversight inquiries related to child support laws and funding.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
