Child Services Attorney

Role Overview The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters. The attorney will assist and represent DCS in court and administrative issues, including Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), adoptions, foster care licensing actions, and other child safety issues. The position works closely with Family Case Managers to prepare for court hearings and may serve as legal counsel for internal employment issues. The role is exempt from overtime compensation and schedules Monday‑Friday, 37.5 hours a week. Responsibilities Advise Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned. Draft and review contracts and correspondence. Liase with 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. Litigate Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts. 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, and provide support for, legal support staff. Draft appeals and appellate briefs. Participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen‑out committees as required. Serve as local counsel for the Indiana Office of Attorney General on assigned cases. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time. Salary This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010. Credentials Doctorate of Jurisprudence. Indiana Bar Admission with license in good standing or admission to any U.S. state bar in good standing and willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status under Indiana Rules for Admissions to the Bar. Additional Qualifications Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills. Strong communication and public speaking skills. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules. Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. Benefits Three medical plan options (including RX coverage), vision, and dental plans. Wellness Rewards Program: complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards. Health savings account with bi‑weekly state contribution. 457(b) deferred compensation account with employer match. Two fully‑funded pension plan options. Robust leave programs: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave, up to eight weeks of paid childbirth recovery leave for eligible mothers, up to 15 hours of paid community service leave, combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave, 12 paid holidays (14 in election years). Education reimbursement program. Group life insurance. Referral bonus program. Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits. Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Free parking for most positions. Free LinkedIn Learning access. 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 and perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io . #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Indiana