ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

Illinois Comptroller; Ottawa (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Flexible schedule

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking a Technical Advisor III to serve as Administrative Law Judge and oversee hearings across Illinois. The role requires a law degree, an Illinois license, and at least two years of legal practice.

Expect a salaried position with a hybrid work schedule, headquartered in Ottawa (LaSalle County). The DCFS offers strong benefits, a pension plan, and opportunities to contribute to child welfare in the state.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized law school.
• Valid license to practice law in Illinois.
• 2 years of professional experience in the practice of law.

Responsibilities

• Presides at formal administrative hearings and guides the appeal through pre-hearing phases.
• Prepares complete administrative records in cases appealed to the Circuit Court.
• Performs legal research on state and federal law relevant to administrative hearings.
• Provides input to the Chief Administrative Law Judge on rules and procedures for the Administrative Hearings Unit.

Skills

Legal reasoning

Litigation

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Illinois bar license

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:58387
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 09/17/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title:TECHNICAL ADVISOR III - 45253
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,060 monthly; Full Range $8,060-$11,851 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC010 Professional Legal Unit, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability:It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need
Headquarter Location:Ottawa - 1580 1St Ave
Work County:LaSalle
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

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.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Technical Advisor III. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Administrative Law Judge
• Guides the appeal through pre-hearing phases
• Presides at formal administrative hearings convened throughout the state of Illinois
• Prepares complete administrative records in cases appealed to the Circuit Court on administrative review inaccordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act
• On a regular basis, reviews developments in the relevant law, both state and federal, and conducts legal researchinto more complex issues
• Provides input to the Chief Administrative Law Judge in formulating and reviewing rules and procedures pertainingto the Administrative Hearings Unit
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumeratedabove

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires 2 years of professional experience in the practice of law

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience applying thorough knowledge of common law and of state and federal laws, particularly relating toadministrative and regulatory functions
• 2 years of experience applying extensive knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedure and of the rules of evidence,hearings, and trial procedures
• 2 years of experience applying extensive knowledge in the field of law with which primarily concerned
• 2 years of experience applying the ability to plan, lay out, and review work relating to complicated legal problems
• 2 years of experience utilizing litigation skills
• 2 years of experience utilizing skill and ability in analyzing, appraising, and organizing facts, evidence, and precedentsconcerned in difficult and complex cases and in presenting such material in clear and logical form for oral or writtenpresentation, as briefs, orders, reports, or decisions
• 2 years of experience applying the ability to exercise sound judgment in appraising and evaluating problems of aprocedural nature
• 2 years of experience in a professional setting demonstrating the ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships withsuperiors, other attorneys, employees, and the general public

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check
• Requires possession of a valid driver's license and ability to travel

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) 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. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. 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.

• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as 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. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• 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

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Revolving Door: Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. 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.

Statement of Economic Interest: This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) 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. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.