Attorney-Child Protection

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. About the Department of Child Services:

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. 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 the Jeffersonville, Indiana, DCS Office and will serve Clark County, and surrounding counties as needed. Advises Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.

Drafts and reviews contracts and 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.

Oversees contract process for local office attorneys.

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.

Delegates to and provides support for any legal support staff.

Drafts appeals and appellate briefs.

May be required to serve as local counsel for the Indiana Office of Attorney General on assigned cases.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Indiana Bar Admission with 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.

Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

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:

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 in election years

Education Reimbursement Program

Group life insurance

Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

Free LinkedIn Learning access

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. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.