Senior Legal Counsel

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. Under administrative direction, this position will represent the Department at all hearings on calendars in the juvenile courts of assigned counties, including temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, permanency, status, progress, termination of parental rights, and motion hearings. Additionally, the position will provide technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting all levels of administrative “fair hearings” and serve as the Department’s representative in the “fair hearing” process, while supervising a subordinate attorney or paralegal. 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. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families. Essential Functions Serves as Senior Regional Counsel Interviews Department witnesses Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR Serves as Department liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and various court personnel in numerous counties in the region Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above Minimum Qualifications Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois Requires three years of experience in the practice of law Preferred Qualifications Prefers experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law Prefers experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings Prefers experience as an attorney conducting legal analysis Prefers substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda Prefers professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings Conditions of Employment Requires the ability to pass a background check. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license. 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 the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. 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: 4 W Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois, 62701 Agency Contact: Michael Bernardy View email address on click.appcast.io (for questions only) Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance Additional Postings available from Illinois Department of Children & Family Services #J-18808-Ljbffr