Counsel Law and Compliance

Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option: None
Category: Full Time
Bargaining Unit Code: None
A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Supervisory Regional Counsel. Under administrative direction, this position will represent the Department at all hearings on calendars in the juvenile courts of assigned counties, including temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, permanency, status, progress, termination of parental rights, and motion hearings. Additionally, the position will provide technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting all levels of administrative “fair hearings” and serve as the Department’s representative in the “fair hearing” process, while supervising a subordinate attorney or paralegal. This position is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to use their skills as an attorney to benefit child welfare services. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent legal and organizational skills and strong leadership capabilities. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.
Serves as Supervisory Regional Counsel
Provides technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting all levels of administrative “fair hearings”
Serves as full line supervisor
Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers andsupervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
Serves as agency liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney offices, and various court personnel in each county in the region
Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Requires three years of administrative experience in the practice of law
Prefers experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law
Prefers experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings
Prefers experience as an attorney conducting legal analysis
Prefers substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda
Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.

A Pension Program
~ Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
~3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
~Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)

~13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
~ Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
~Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
~ Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
~ GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
~5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
~ Work Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Legal, Audit & Compliance
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State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public.