DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials .

Job Requisition ID: 59585
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: 11/18/2026
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $11,434 - $13,166 per month ($137,208 - $157,992 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Federally Funded, Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from Collective Bargaining Coverage
Work Hours : Mon - Fri, 8:30am - 5:00pm; 1-hour unpaid lunch
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability : It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location : 69 W Washington St, Chicago, Illinois, 60602

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Office of General Counsel is seeking to hire a Deputy General Counsel located in Chicago, Illinois. The incumbent will provide legal advice and counsel to the Division of Family and Community Services (FCS). Performs highly responsible administrative and technical work while serving as chief technical and legal advisor to the Directors. Provides comprehensive advice and consultation on the legality of all divisional activities, including policy matters, rules, regulations, procedures, administration, operation and litigation. Recommends changes in legislation to promote the programs of the Divisions.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Deputy General Counsel of the Department of Human Services assigned to programs by providing legal advice and counsel to the Division of Family and Community Services (FCS).
• Directs the conduct of complex studies of those agency operations affected by changing policy/legal requirements.
• Serves as full-line supervisor.
• Recommends changes in legislation to promote the programs of the Division.
• Implements legislation, procedures, rules, regulations, and court orders.
• Directs representation of the Agency by the Attorney General’s Office and other attorneys in cases filed against the Department and in cases filed by the Department, in both Federal and State courts, as it relates to Public Assistance matters.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized school of law.
• Requires a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
• Requires four (4) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional legal experience responding to and advising on legal matters.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience in public assistance, as well as in responding to subpoenas seeking documents that may be protected under either State and/or Federal Law.
• Four (4) years of professional legal experience in State and Federal litigation.
• Four (4) years of professional experience working in a law firm environment.
• Four (4) years of professional supervisory experience assigning work, providing guidance to subordinates, training staff, approving time off and preparing and signing performance evaluations.
• Four (4) years of professional experience reviewing proposed legislation, providing comments, communicating in oral and written form and working within deadlines.

Conditions of Employment

• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file a Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Human Services uplifts individuals and communities across Illinois. Our mission is to respond to the needs of all people in Illinois so they can lead healthy, safe, and enriched lives. Our vision is the future we are shaping with dignity and the well-being for everyone in Illinois. Our values are the principles that guide us as we work to remove systemic barriers and create lasting opportunities with Compassion, Accessibility, Responsibility, and Equity.

As a State of Illinois employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:Ab

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Benefit time modified for part-time, 12-hour, & non-standard work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill®Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment duringState employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the ExecutiveInspector Generalfor the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

Statement of Economic Interest:

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.