SUPERVISORY REGIONAL COUNSEL

State of Illinois•Springfield, IL

10d•$9,488 - $10,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking a Supervisory Regional Counsel to 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. The position 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 role serves as legal advisor to regional field staff and conducts legal screening and case consultation to help caseworkers and supervisors prepare termination-of-parental-rights cases and determine when cases are trial-ready. It also serves as a liaison to the judiciary, State’s Attorney offices, and court personnel across the region. This position works under administrative direction and requires maintaining current knowledge of relevant legislation, Department rules and policy, and law.

Requirements

Possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
Three years of administrative 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 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 all levels of administrative fair hearings.
Represent the Department in the administrative fair hearing process.
Supervise a subordinate attorney or paralegal and serve as a full line supervisor.
Serve as legal advisor to regional field staff.
Plan, direct, and conduct technical legal screening and provide case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare termination-of-parental-rights cases and determine trial readiness.
Serve as agency liaison to the judiciary, State’s Attorney offices, and court personnel in each county 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 position.

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, with 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 upon position.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Deferred Compensation Program supplemental retirement plan.
Optional pre-tax programs, including Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
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).