Job Title: Attorney 1
Primary Location: Ohio-Franklin County-Columbus
Work Location: 4071 E. Main Street, 43213
Bargaining Unit/Exempt: Non-Bargaining
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Minimum Starting Salary: $33.03 - $43.71 per hour
Number of Openings: 2
Posting Start Date: 06/09/2026
Posting Close Date: Non-Bargaining postings are typically available for a minimum of 10 days from Posting Start Date but may be rescinded or extended at the Agency's discretion. All submissions received within the first 10 days will be considered.
How to Apply:
Who We Are:
Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) is a large, metropolitan child welfare agency with more than 300 caseworkers and 400 support staff members dedicated to child protection and family stability. FCCS believes in investing our time and resources to attract and hire an engaged, talented, and diverse workforce that is committed to protecting children by strengthening families.
What You Will Do – Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Employee is under general supervision of the Deputy Chief Legal Counsel; works within the Legal Department to assist casework staff in reaching well-informed and plausible decisions regarding future actions on legal aspects of child welfare cases; prepares and presents cases for court; conducts legal research and offers legal advice, particularly in the areas of intake and service; creates and supports communication with the Franklin County Juvenile Court; regularly acts as liaison with the Prosecutor’s office, Public Defender’s office and other practicing attorneys, casework staff, agency administration and the Legal Department.
- Meets with casework staff to discuss legal issues in child welfare case; develops pleadings, motions and other legal documents for filing in court based upon legal knowledge and research as well as information learned
- Assists in filing and ensuring accurate service of process on all parties and interested persons
- Assists in the exchange of information between all parties
- Assists in maintaining legal files for all cases
- Represents agency on all post dispositional motions, including permanent custody hearings, by attending all hearings and completing reports for the department and direct services and staffing cases with regional staff
- Prepares for and handles trial with support of the Deputy Chief Legal Counsel.
- Regularly meets with administrators to discuss trends in legally involved child welfare cases;
- Works to resolve issues which cause children to remain in placement
- Reviews and assists in policy development for the client-agency
- Develops and regularly provides training to agency staff on working with the court.
- Works with regional and department staff to prepare contested cases for trail; interviews and prepares witnesses, seeks out documentary evidence
- Regularly meets with supervisor and other Legal Department staff, and maintains statistics regarding caseload to be submitted monthly or as otherwise required by department policy.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
What We Offer You:
- Hiring Bonus up to $1,500
- Quality benefits including low-Cost Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Vacation, Sick and Personal leave accruals along with 10 paid holidays
- Retirement Pension through the Ohio Public employment Retirement System
- 457(b) retirement savings plan through Ohio Deferred Compensation
- No Cost Life Insurance Coverage up to $50,000
- Tuition Reimbursement
- EAP Program
- Personal and Financial Wellness opportunities through the Franklin County ThriveOn Program
- A true hybrid work environment!
- More!
Minimum Qualifications:
- Admission to Ohio Bar pursuant to Section 4705.01 of Revised Code.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of law and related experience with abuse, neglect, dependency cases
- Must demonstrate cultural awareness, sensitivity, and competence throughout all aspects of job duties.
Certifications or Licensure:
- Must have a current License to practice law in the State of Ohio.
- A valid Ohio Driver’s License and automobile insurance that is in compliance with Franklin County Children Services policy is required for travel. Travel can occasionally include out of state travel which may require airline travel.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
ADA Statement: Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. Franklin County Children Services is committed to providing access and inclusion and accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Job-specific Physical Requirements:
- Sits, walks, drives, and stands throughout the day. May be required to lift up to 30 pounds.
What is the Work Environment Like?
- Typical office environment. May be asked to visit other FCCS sites, homes, court or other facilities.
To learn more about FCCS, please visit our careers page under About Us at www.fccs.us.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $33.03 - $43.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you passed the Ohio Bar Exam?
Work Location: In person
