Child Services Attorney Date Posted: Feb 14, 2025 Requisition ID: 455957 Location: South Bend, IN, US, 46601 Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse 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. At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, 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. About the Department of Child Services: Join a team that engages with families and children to improve lives in meaningful and significant ways. DCS engages authentically with children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. The Department also administers family preservation and prevention services, foster care, and child support throughout the State of Indiana. You will relentlessly pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, adoption or support youth in making a successful transition to adulthood. While this job is difficult and may have long and sometimes unconventional hours, this is more than a job—it is a calling to improve your community and neighbors. Will you join us in supporting our Mission, Vision, and Values? Mission:  The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible. Vision: Children will live in safe, healthy, and supportive families and communities. Values: We at the Indiana Department of Child Services empower our team, in collaboration with state and local partners, to make decisions in the best interest of every child in our care by embracing: + Child safety + Permanency + Collaborative partnerships with foster and adoptive families + Diversity, equity, and inclusion + A culture of safety and transparency + Continuous improvement Role Overview: The Child Services Attorney provides legal guidance and services for DCS central and county offices. You will guide staff in matters related to child welfare, child support, and juvenile matters. You will work closely with family case managers to assess issues and prepare for court hearings. Specifically, you will represent the State in Child in Need of Service (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), adoptions, foster care licensing, and other general legal issues relating to child safety. You will also represent and assist the Agency in administrative and court matters. This requires trial experience and does not encompass billable hours. The work week is Monday- Friday. Hours are arranged with the supervisor. This position is located at the DCS branch office in South Bend, IN. Salary: The salary for this part-time position traditionally starts at $38.46 per hour but may be commensurate with education or work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator (https://in.accessgov.com/spd/Forms/Page/spd/compensation-calculator/) to view the total compensation package. A Day in the Life: The essential functions are: + Advise Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned. + Draft and review contracts and correspondence. + Serve as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters. + Draft and review legislation and administrative rules. + Perform legal research and writing assignments. + Provide general legal support for the Office of General Counsel. + Oversee contract process for local office attorneys. + Conduct legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested. + Litigate Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Court. + Handle administrative matters and hearings as assigned. + Organize and manage caseload in preparation for hearings and/or litigation. + Generate appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses. + Delegate to and provide support for any legal support staff. + Draft 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. What You'll Need for Success: + Doctorate of Jurisprudence. + Indiana Bar Admission with a license in good standing OR admission to the bar of any state within the United States with a license in good standing and willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status under the conditions and limitations of rule 6.1 of the Indiana Rules for Admissions to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys pending admissions to the Indiana Bar. + Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills. + Strong communication and public speaking skills. + Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules. + 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: The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for part-time employees which includes: + Paid vacation, personal and sick time off + Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs + 12 company paid holidays, 14 on election years + New Parent Leave + Free Parking + Free LinkedIn Learning 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. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov. The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application. Current Employee? 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