Child Services Attorney

State of Indiana - Lafayette, IN

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Lafayette, IN

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Child Services Attorney plays a crucial role in providing legal advice and services to the Department of Child Services (DCS) in Indiana. This position involves representing the agency in various legal matters related to child welfare, including Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), and foster care licensing actions. The attorney collaborates closely with Family Case Managers and is responsible for preparing for court hearings, ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families in the state.

Responsibilities

• Advise Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.
• Draft and review contracts and correspondence.
• Serve as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
• Draft and review legislation and administrative rules.
• Perform legal research and writing assignments.
• Provide general legal support for the Office of General Counsel.
• Oversee contract process for local office attorneys.
• Conduct legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested.
• Litigate Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts representing the agency in such actions.
• Handle administrative matters and hearings as assigned.
• Organize and manage caseload in preparation for hearings and/or litigation.
• Generate appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
• Delegate to and provide support for any legal support staff.
• Draft appeals and appellate briefs.
• Participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees if required.
• Serve as local counsel for the Indiana Office of Attorney General on assigned cases if required.

Requirements

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

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in child welfare law.
• Familiarity with family law and juvenile court procedures.

Benefits

• Three 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 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, 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.