Attorney 1-3 (Lafayette Parish)

State of Louisiana; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 86,907,000 - 104,583,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) in Lafayette Parish seeks Attorney 1-3 to serve as legal counsel within the OCFS/CWS framework, handling juvenile and family law matters across regional and parish offices.

The role involves litigation before state and federal tribunals, collaboration with DCFS staff, and guidance on child welfare statutes. A current Louisiana license to practice law is required, with career progression within the agency.

Qualifications

• Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.
• Specialization in juvenile and family law, social services law and programs.

Responsibilities

• Involved in all aspects of litigation for the assigned regional and parish offices.
• Incumbent is frequently before tribunals at the state level (juvenile, civil, criminal, appellate courts in multi-parishes and the State Supreme Court), federal level, and administrative tribunals.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assists DCFS staff with child safety and welfare laws, including investigations of caretakers, day care centers, and family child day care homes.
• Responsible for providing consultation, recommendations, and representation to the regional administrator and other DCFS staff within assigned regions.
• Recommends and participates in efforts to update and revise provisions in state and federal law in the areas of child welfare.

Skills

Juvenile law

Family law

Legal counsel

Education

Louisiana license to practice law

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 at DCFS: Attorney 1-3 (Lafayette Parish)

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.

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:

• Involved in all aspects of litigation for the assigned regional and parish offices.
• Incumbent is frequently before tribunals at the state level (juvenile, civil, criminal, appellate courts in multi-parishes and the State Supreme Court), federal level, and administrative tribunals.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assists DCFS staff with child safety and welfare laws, including investigations of caretakers, day care centers, and family child day care homes.
• Responsible for providing consultation, recommendations, and representation to the regional administrator and other DCFS staff within assigned regions.
• 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: Lafayette 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 hour (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.