Child Services Attorney
State of Indiana, Evansville, IN, United States
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 is Monday‑Friday, 37.5 hours a week. The position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours beyond 75 per pay period, and exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional remuneration.
Salary
This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010 but may be commensurate with education and job experience.
A Day In The Life
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
What You'll Need For Success
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 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
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana
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
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) 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 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 ProgramFree Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
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 jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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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 is Monday‑Friday, 37.5 hours a week. The position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours beyond 75 per pay period, and exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional remuneration.
Salary
This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010 but may be commensurate with education and job experience.
A Day In The Life
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
What You'll Need For Success
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 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
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana
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
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) 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 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 ProgramFree Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
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 jobs@spd.IN.gov.
#J-18808-Ljbffr