Attorney 1/2/3 (Calcasieu-CW)

DCFS-Department of Children and Family Services; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

DCFS - Department of Children and Family Services in Louisiana seeks Attorneys 1-3 to represent the agency in juvenile and family law matters across nine regions. The role involves filing petitions, handling appeals, and advising staff on policy and law; regular court appearances are a routine part of the duties.

Candidates must hold a current Louisiana license to practice law; positions may be probational or job appointments for up to 48 months.

Qualifications

• Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.
• Experience handling juvenile and family law matters.
• Regular appearances in court are a routine part of the responsibilities of this job.

Responsibilities

• Involved in all aspects of litigation for the region and parish offices.
• Assists other sections with preparation and litigation of trials and appeals in the region.
• Counsel or assist in the defense of the agency or its employees in suits against DCFS and staff.
• Handles admin and judicial proceedings for child protection and related services.
• Assists DCFS staff with child safety and welfare laws investigations.
• Provides consultation and representation to the regional administrator and staff.
• Recommends updates to state and federal child welfare laws.

Job description

Department MISSION

DCFS is working to keep children safe, helping individuals and families become self-sufficient, and providing safe refuge during disasters.

Department VISION

We care for the well-being and safety of Louisiana's people.

Department VALUES

Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity.

At The Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

Join Our Team at DCFS: Attorney 1-3

This administrative position serves as a legal counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)/Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)/Child Welfare Services (CWS) within one of nine regions throughout the State of Louisiana, specializing in the area of juvenile and family law, social services law and programs.

The incumbent will be responsible for representing the agency in all phases of Child Welfare proceedings, including filing of petitions to terminate parental rights, filing appeals/writs related to Child Welfare practice, and advising staff on policy and law. Regular appearances in court are a routine part of the responsibilities of this job.

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• The incumbent is involved in all aspects of litigation for the assigned regional and parish offices.
• Incumbent assists other legal sections with the preparation and litigation, of numerous trials, appeals and other matters assigned that are located within the assigned regional area.
• Incumbent serves as counsel or assists in the defense of the agency or its employees in suits seeking money damages or contempt orders against DCFS, agency officials, and personnel.
• Incumbent handles administrative and judicial proceedings for child protection, foster care, family services, Family in Need of Services cases, adoption services and home development and other social services programs.
• Incumbent assists DCFS staff with child safety and welfare laws, including investigations of caretakers, day care centers, and family child day care homes.
• Incumbent is responsible for providing consultation, recommendations, and representation to the regional administrator and other DCFS staff within assigned regions.
• Incumbent recommends and participates in efforts to update and revise provisions in state and federal law in the areas of child welfare.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment. This position may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

Work Schedule: Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts.

Work Location: Calcasieu Parish

Career Progression: May be filled as an Attorney 1-3 depending on qualifications.

Compensation:

• Attorney 1 $30.33 hourly (AS-619)

• Attorney 2 $32.45 hourly (AS-620)

• Attorney 3 $36.51 hourly (AS-622)

Louisiana HB 420 requires all prospective DCFS employees to complete and clear multiple background clearances prior to employment with this agency.

DCFS is an “Equal Opportunity Employer”, and Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.