Child Services Attorney

Child Services Attorney

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 La Porte, Indiana, and will serve LaPorte County, and surrounding counties as needed.

Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.

A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this role are as follows: Advises Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned. Child Services Attorneys are responsible for managing all phases of discovery and leading courtroom litigation in support of child welfare cases. Drafts and reviews legal 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. 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. May be required to participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees.

What You'll Need for Success: Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following: Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills. Strong communication and public speaking skills. Apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules. Doctorate of Jurisprudence and an active Indiana Bar 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 pending admissions to the Indiana Bar. Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to: 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and 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 time off 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years Education Reimbursement Program Group life insurance Referral Bonus program Employee assistance program that allows for 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 as well as perform the essential functions of a role.