Attorney 1-3

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Louisiana, Department of Children and Family Services, in Baton Rouge, seeks an Attorney 1-3 to serve as legal counsel for juvenile and family law, social services law, and related programs.

The role involves independent legal direction, advice, representation, and collaboration with regional and parish offices. Louisiana licensure is required; typical duties include litigation, drafting, and mediations.

Qualifications

• Require highly developed litigation and in-house counsel skills.
• Possess special knowledge of complex statutory and regulatory laws.
• Prepare staff and represents DCFS in mediations.
• Consult with DCFS Attorney Supervisor, Deputy General Counsel 2 or General Counsel regarding conflicting issues.

Responsibilities

• Perform highly technical legal direction, advice, and representation.
• Handle litigation, administrative appeals, child protection hearings and related trials.
• Prepare legal documents, affidavits, contracts and petitions.
• Assist other legal sections with litigation, trials and appeals.
• Advise on complex statutory and regulatory matters and oversee mediations.

Skills

Litigation

In-house counsel

Legal consultation

Collaboration

Education

Louisiana law license

Job description

Department MISSION

To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong.

Department VISION

A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities.

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 -Attorney 1-3

This position serves as a legal counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) /Office of Children and Family Services (DCFS)/Child Welfare Section (CWS), specializing in the area of juvenile and family law, social services law and programs. It is responsible for independently providing highly technical legal direction, advice, assistance, consultation, representation and having a direct influence on operations of the regional program offices and/or parish offices. The major programs of DCFS include child protection investigations, foster care, family services, adoption services, and foster/adoptive home development. Incumbent is independently responsible for being knowledgeable with regards to all special laws relevant to the functioning of DCFS which may affect the health, safety and welfare of the state's children and families.

If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact—this could be the opportunity for you!

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

• Require highly developed litigation and in-house counsel skills.
• Extensive trial work includes, but not limited to administrative appeals, child abuse case review hearings, dispositional review hearings adoption proceedings and termination of parental rights trials.
• Prepare legal documents, affidavits, contracts and petitions.
• Assist other legal sections with litigation, trails and appeals.
• Possess special knowledge of complex statutory and regulatory laws.
• Prepares staff and represents DCFS in mediations.
• Consult with DCFS Attorney Supervisor, Deputy General Counsel 2 or General Counsel regarding conflicting issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned for the smooth operation of the Department.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: 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.

Career Progression: This vacancy may be filled as an Attorney 1, 2 or 3 depending on experience.

Compensation

Attorney 1-SER: $ 2,426.40/bi-weekly

Attorney 2-SER: $ 2,596.00/bi-weekly

Attorney 3-SER: $ 2,920.80/bi-weekly

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

Baton Rouge, La

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

Contact Information

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Human Resources

Department of Children and Family Services

[e-mail]

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.