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. 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.
About the Department of Child Services:
Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!
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.
Purpose: Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.
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.
This position is in the Indianapolis, Indiana, North DCS office and will support staff in Marion County, and surrounding counties as needed.
Indiana accepts the Uniform Bar Exam! Follow this link to learn about the Uniform Bar Exam and state jurisdictions.
Salary:
This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and job experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
The essential functions of this role are:
- 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.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which 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.
Credentials:
- Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
- Admission to the Indiana State Bar Association as a member in good standing.
Additional qualifications:
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations related to agency functions and purposes and to assigned program areas.
- Thorough knowledge of Rules of Evidence and Indiana Rules of Court.
- Advanced Knowledge of state's court system and law enforcement agencies.
- Advanced Knowledge of legal resources and procedures.
- Advanced Knowledge of the Rules of Ethics and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
- Ability to communicate articulately for Court proceedings.
- Ability to use tact and empathy when dealing with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment while managing crisis situations including those involving aggressive adults being investigated.
- Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
- Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
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 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
- 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:
- 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 in 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
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Equal Employment Opportunity:
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 [email protected].
