Senior Regional Counsel
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Springfield, Illinois, us, 62777
Overview
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Job Requisition ID: 52674 Closing Date: 02/18/2026 Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,167 - $10,500/month Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 3 Bargaining Unit Code: None Merit Comp Code: Managerial Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage Position summary and responsibilities are described in the sections below.
Essential Functions
Serves as Senior Regional Counsel
Interviews Department witnesses
Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication
Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
Serves as Department liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and various court personnel in numerous counties in the region
Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications
Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Requires three years of experience in the practice of law
Preferred Qualifications
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 professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities
Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings
Conditions of Employment
Requires the ability to pass a background check
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
Revolving door restrictions apply to non-State employment offers during or within one year after State employment; notify OEIG prior to accepting non-State employment offers if applicable
Requires filing of a Statement of Economic Interest as applicable under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.)
Other conditions of employment listed are related to the duties listed in the job description
About The Agency DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.
Benefits As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes:
Pension Program
Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
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)
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
Work Details Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Work Location: 4 W Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois, 62701-1222
Agency Contact: Michael Bernardy (Michael.Bernardy@illinois.gov) for questions only
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance
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Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Job Requisition ID: 52674 Closing Date: 02/18/2026 Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $9,167 - $10,500/month Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time County: Sangamon Number of Vacancies: 3 Bargaining Unit Code: None Merit Comp Code: Managerial Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage Position summary and responsibilities are described in the sections below.
Essential Functions
Serves as Senior Regional Counsel
Interviews Department witnesses
Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication
Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
Serves as Department liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and various court personnel in numerous counties in the region
Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above
Minimum Qualifications
Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Requires three years of experience in the practice of law
Preferred Qualifications
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 professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities
Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings
Conditions of Employment
Requires the ability to pass a background check
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
Revolving door restrictions apply to non-State employment offers during or within one year after State employment; notify OEIG prior to accepting non-State employment offers if applicable
Requires filing of a Statement of Economic Interest as applicable under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.)
Other conditions of employment listed are related to the duties listed in the job description
About The Agency DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.
Benefits As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes:
Pension Program
Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
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)
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)
Work Details Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Work Location: 4 W Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois, 62701-1222
Agency Contact: Michael Bernardy (Michael.Bernardy@illinois.gov) for questions only
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance
#J-18808-Ljbffr