Child Services Attorney

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.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population.

As a proud 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 Central Office, County Offices and / or staff of DCS for Juvenile law matters relating to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters and to represent and assist the Agency in administrative and / or court matters.

The attorney will be responsible for representing the State in Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), Adoptions, Foster Care Licensing Actions, and other general legal issues relating to the safety of children.

This individual 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, hours a week.

Salary Statement :

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,;but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life :

The essential functions of this role are as follows :

• 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.
• Generates appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
• Delegates to and provides support for any legal support staff.
• Drafts appeals and appellate briefs.
• May be required to participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees.
• May be required to serve as local counsel for the Indiana Office of Attorney General on assigned cases.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee's activities, duties, or responsibilities.

Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success :

• Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
• 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 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.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.

Supervisory Responsibilities / Direct Reports :

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana :

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which 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 leaveUp 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