Child Services Attorney

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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 team that engages with families and children to improve lives in significant ways. DCS engages authentically with children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. The Department also administers family preservation and prevention services, foster care, and child support throughout Indiana. You will relentlessly pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, adoption, or support for youth in making a successful transition to adulthood.

While this job is difficult and may have long and sometimes unconventional hours, this is more than a job—it is a calling to improve your community and neighbors. Will you join us in supporting our Mission, Vision, and Values?

Mission:
The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.

Vision: Children will live in safe, healthy, and supportive families and communities.

Values: We at the Indiana Department of Child Services empower our team, in collaboration with state and local partners, to make decisions in the best interest of every child in our care by embracing:

• Child safety
• Permanency
• Collaborative partnerships with foster and adoptive families
• A culture of safety and transparency

Role Overview:

The Child Services Attorney provides legal guidance and services for DCS central and county offices. You will guide staff in matters related to child welfare, child support, and juvenile matters. You will work closely with family case managers to assess issues and to prepare for court hearings. Specifically, you will represent the State in Child in Need of Service (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), adoptions, foster care licensing, and other general legal issues relating to child safety.

You will also represent and assist the Agency in administrative and court matters. This requires trial experience and does not encompass billable hours. The work week is Monday
- Friday. Hours are determined by need and will equal 37.5 hours a week.

This position is in Muncie, Indiana, and will serve Delaware County.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010 annually but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

• Advise DCS staff on various programs and legal areas as assigned.
• Draft and review contracts and correspondence.
• Serve as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
• Draft and review legislation and administrative rules.
• Perform legal research and writing assignments.
• Provide general legal support for the Office of General Counsel.
• Oversee contract process for local office attorneys.
• Conduct legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested.
• Represent the agency and litigate Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in state court.
• Handle administrative matters and hearings as assigned.
• Organize and manage caseload in preparation for hearings and/or litigation.
• Generate appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
• Delegate to legal support staff and support them as needed.
• Draft appeals and appellate briefs.
• May participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees.
• May 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 that 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.

• Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
• Indiana Bar Admission with license in good standing OR admission to the bar of any state within the United States with license in good standing and willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status under the conditions and limitations of rule 6.1 of the Indiana Rules for Admissions to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys…