Child Services Attorney
Date Posted: May 21, 2025
Requisition ID: 460518
Location:
Elkhart, IN, US, 46514
Work for Indiana
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 (DCS):
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 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 to 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 determined by need and will equal 37.5 hours a week.
This position is in Elkhart, Indiana, and will support offices in Elkhart and Kosciusko counties.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010 annually 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 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 that 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.
What You'll Need for Success:
Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
Indiana Bar Admission with license in good standing OR admission to the bar of any state within the United States with 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 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 contributions
Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
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
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer 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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