SENIOR REGIONAL COUNSEL

Search by keyword (e.g. County, Job Title etc.) Select how often (in days) to receive an alert: 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: 57487 Opening Date: 07/28/2026 Closing Date: 08/25/2026 Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,488 - $10,900/month Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Cook Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: None Merit Comp Code: Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage 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. Position Overview The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Senior Regional Counsel. This position will represent the Department in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The position will also provide legal advice and counsel to professional staff in various divisions of the Department and will represent the Department in various civil and administrative hearings. This position is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to use their skills as an attorney to benefit child welfare services. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent legal and organizational skills and strong leadership capabilities. Essential Functions Serves as a Senior Regional Counsel Provides legal advice and counsel to professional staff in various divisions of the Department Serves as Department representative at all levels of administrative “fair hearings” Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law Provides legal training to Department administrators, supervisors, and staff on various topics including testifying in court Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above Minimum Qualifications Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois Requires three years of experience as an attorney presenting and arguing cases in court and/or administrative hearings Requires experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law Preferred Qualifications Thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings Substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda Professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to pass a background check
2. Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel
3. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

About the Agency DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders. As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following: 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) Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time 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 Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm Work Location: 2245 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60612 Agency Contact: Michael Bernardy View email address on click.appcast.io (for questions only) Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance 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 ExecutiveInspector Generalfor the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine. The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: 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 the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. #J-18808-Ljbffr Illinois Comptroller