Child Services Attorney

Overview

Work for Indiana. Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services : Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana's most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation :

Mission

Champion Indiana's future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.

Vision

Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.

Purpose

Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters. You will also assist and represent DCS in court and administrative issues. Specific areas of representation include Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), Adoptions, Foster Care Licensing Actions, and other child safety issues. You will work closely with Family Case Managers to prepare for court hearings and may serve as legal counsel for internal employment issues. This position provides immediate trial experience and does not encompass billable hours. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours a week.

We seek a detail-oriented attorney with strong time management skills and a desire to be a skilled litigator. This position is in Evansville, Indiana, and will serve Vanderburgh and surrounding counties as needed.

Salary : This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010 but may be commensurate with education and job experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life

The essential functions of this role are :

• Advises Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned
• Drafts and reviews contracts and correspondence
• Serves as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters
• Drafts and reviews legislation and administrative rules
• Performs legal research and writing assignments
• Provides general legal support for the Office of General Counsel
• Oversees contract process for local office attorneys
• Conducts legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested
• Litigates Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts representing the agency in such actions
• Handles administrative matters and hearings as assigned
• Organizes and manages caseload in preparation for hearings and / or litigation
• Generates appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses
• Delegates to and provides support for any legal support staff
• Drafts appeals and appellate briefs
• May be required to participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees
• May be required to serve as local counsel for the Indiana Office of Attorney General on assigned cases

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee's activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and / or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success

Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports : This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes :

150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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