General Counsel

About the Agency The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) is committed to protecting and nurturing Mississippi's at‑risk children and families. MDCPS offers positions statewide, including social work, supervisor, and agency support roles in policy development, human resources, information technology, program management, training, budgeting/finance, and more. Working with MDCPS gives you the chance to make a life‑changing difference for Mississippi's most vulnerable families. Position Duties / Job Description The MDCPS General Counsel serves as chief legal officer, overseeing the Office of Legal Counsel. Responsibilities include handling all legal matters affecting MDCPS operations, providing legal guidance and opinions to programmatic areas and senior leadership, coordinating with the Office of the Attorney General and outside counsel on litigation, assisting in legislative identification and preparation of proposed legislation, and overseeing federally required program improvement plans, implementation, and reporting. The General Counsel supervises the Administration Deputy and the Agency Representation Deputy; handles legal aspects of contracts/procurement, eligibility issues, HR and employment matters, grants management, policy, and civil matters. Qualifications • 10+ years of legal experience in Youth Court/Chancery Court. • Demonstrated interest in child welfare law. • Mississippi Bar license required. • Strong communication, integrity, confidentiality, and adaptability. Salary Range $101,626.42 to $152,592.07, determined by experience and qualifications. Benefits Health/Prescription Insurance – Eligible employees may select single or family coverage with affordable co‑payments. Wellness Benefits – Annual benefits for certain services with first‑dollar coverage and no deductible. Life Insurance – Two times the employee’s salary up to $100,000. Optional Insurances – Dental, vision, and cancer insurance at discounted premiums. Flexible Spending Accounts – Pre‑tax accounts for childcare and unreimbursed medical expenses. Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave – Approximately 18 days of personal leave and 12 days of sick leave annually. Military Leave – 15 days per year for military training in accordance with federal law. Holidays – Up to 10 paid holidays. Retirement Programs – Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution retirement with 8-year vesting. Deferred Compensation – Voluntary retirement savings plan. State Credit Union – Eligibility to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees’ Credit Union. Tuition Reimbursement – Assistance for higher education in various fields. Career Development Training – Management and administrative certification programs. Promotional Opportunities – Eligibility after 6 months of service subject to minimum qualifications. Career Ladders – Opportunities based on competency attainment and available funding. #J-18808-Ljbffr