Divisional Deputy City Solicitor - Child Welfare Unit

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What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth  - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion  - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits  - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The City of Philadelphia Law Department serves as general counsel to the entire City government. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.

The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 290 attorneys and 130 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce the City's legal liability, and address threats to the quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.

We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have a tangible impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents we serve, and we promote an environment of camaraderie, accountability, and inclusiveness.

The Law Department's Child Welfare Unit (CWU) represents the City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) in all aspects of its work in investigating reports of child abuse and child neglect and providing services to children and families in need. The CWU is a collegial, fast-paced, and challenging unit in which, with appropriate training and supervision, attorneys are expected to manage their case files from start to finish independently. 

Professional Responsibility & Public Service 

We serve the residents of Philadelphia by providing excellent legal counsel as trustworthy partners to our clients, no matter the challenges we face. Our work frequently involves sensitive matters, confidential information, and communication with City officials and client agencies. All staff are expected to work collectively to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and a strong commitment to public service. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The City of Philadelphia Law Department seeks an experienced and licensed PA attorney to supervise two teams of attorneys who represent the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) in the two of the core Dependency Court Rooms in Philadelphia Family Court. Specifically, the Divisional Deputy City Solicitor will manage and oversee the work of CWU staff in two core Dependency Courtrooms or any other court teams identified by the CWU Chiefs and/or Chair of the Social Services Law Group. 

Essential Functions 

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or essential functions. Duties may be modified, assigned, or reassigned as operational needs evolve, consistent with applicable law. 

• The Divisional may also appear on high profile cases and other matters as deemed necessary by vacancies on the Court teams and/or at the direction of the two Chief Deputies of the CWU or the Chair of the Social Services Group. 

• Providing mentoring, training, and resources for direct reports and new hires to meet the needs of the clients and Department. 

• Acting as a stopgap where workforce or workflow responsibilities threaten providing client with timely or effective representation.

• Advising Chief Deputy on matters that impact the law or might serve to improve efficiency. 

• Consulting DHS staff and social workers on a daily basis regarding difficult cases and decisions regarding what legal remedies may be available to the client. 

• Communicating with all Child Welfare Unit staff on a regular basis and maintaining an open door for staff concerns. 

• Providing opportunities for attorney training and mentoring. 

• Fostering and maintaining a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment that recognizes and values all forms of diversity. 

• Participating in external efforts to raise the profile of the Unit and the Law Department. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, agency rules and process which govern the clients that the unit represents. 

• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, propose viable solutions, and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.     

• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.    

• Ability to supervise and inspire a team of attorneys and support the client on Juvenile Justice and Older Youth matters. 

• Ability to train and mentor staff. 

• Ability to foster and maintain a collegial, inclusive, and professional work environment. 

• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing and orally so that both lawyers and non-lawyers will understand. 

• Ability to educate clients on applicable legal requirements and policy positions. 

• Excellent judgment and critical thinking 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.   

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects differences.   

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.    

Qualifications

• This is a senior/supervisory level position, with seven (7) plus years of legal experience in child welfare law, Dependency Court, Delinquency Court, a strong understanding of DHS policy and structural organization as well as previous supervisory experience.

• Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department. 

Work Location & Onsite Expectations 

This position is designated as fully onsite, and employees are expected to report in person five (5) days per week, in accordance with the City Policy. Regular on-site presence is an operational requirement of this role.

Who Thrives in This Role 

This position is well-suited for candidates who are adaptable, collaborative, comfortable making real-time decisions, and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of professionalism in a fast-paced, in-person environment. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY:   Interested candidates must submit a cover letter resume and writing sample.

Salary Range: $121,875 to $147,534 – Commensurate with education and experience

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at View phone number on us.fitly.work or send an email to View email address on us.fitly.work.

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