Child Services Attorney
Jasper, IN, US, 45746
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
As an equal opportunity employer, 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.
About the Department of Child Services:
Join a team that engages with families and children to improve lives in meaningful and significant ways. DCS engages authentically with children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. The Department also administers family preservation and prevention services, foster care, and child support throughout the State of Indiana. You will relentlessly pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, adoption or support youth in making a successful transition to adulthood. While this job is difficult and may have long and sometimes unconventional hours, this is more than a job—it is a calling to improve your community and neighbors. Will you join us in supporting our Mission, Vision, and Values?
Mission: The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.
Vision: Children will live in safe, healthy and supportive families and communities.
Values: We at the Indiana Department of Child Services empower our team, in collaboration with state and local partners, to make decisions in the best interest of every child in our care by embracing:
- Child safety
- Permanency
- Collaborative partnerships with foster and adoptive families
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- A culture of safety and transparency
- Continuous improvement
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 with 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 Jasper, Indiana, and will serve Dubois County.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
Responsibilities include:
- Training local office counsel on proper trail preparation and presentation – including but not limited to discovery, witness identification, witness preparation, pre-trail pleadings, exhibit identification, and preparation, making and meeting objections, and case theory.
- Serving as an Administrative Law Judge in hearing evidence, ruling on the admissibility of evidence, and making a reasoned decision supported by evidence for cases involving substantiated abuse or neglect, foster home licensing, child support, and/or adoption/guardianship assistance.
- Participating in committees, groups, and teams.
- Communicating and managing forms for courts, hearing evidence, ruling on the admissibility of evidence, and making a reasoned decision supported by evidence.
- Carrying a limited caseload of complex or unusual cases.
- Assisting as needed with complex litigation needs and providing legal guidance and advice to auditors and the Office of General Counsel.
- Delegating, supervising, and providing support for any legal support staff if needed.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
Credentials:
- Doctorate of Jurisprudence with 5+ experience,
- Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.
- Member in good standing with the Indiana State Bar Association.
Additional qualifications:
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
- Ability to effectively communicate.
- Ability to successfully utilize a case management system to manage a docket, case information, party information, and serve orders.
- Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
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
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
- Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k 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:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- 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 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you have the transferrable skills to be successful in the position.
Nearest Major Market: Athens
