Attorney 1-3 (Rapides Parish)

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Employee benefits

Job summary

Department of Children and Family Services in Louisiana seeks an attorney to serve as legal counsel for juvenile and family law matters across nine regions. The role covers litigation in state, federal, and administrative tribunals, with responsibility for child welfare programs and related services.

The candidate must hold a current Louisiana license to practice law and will work with DCFS/OCFS/CWS staff to advise on legal matters and pursue agency goals within the region.

Qualifications

• Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.
• Experience in juvenile and family law preferred.
• Ability to represent the agency in litigation at multiple tribunals.

Responsibilities

• Handle all aspects of litigation for assigned regional offices.
• Represent the agency in state and federal courts and administrative tribunals.
• Assist in preparation and litigation of trials, appeals and related matters.
• Provide consultation and representation to regional administrators and DCFS staff.

Skills

Litigation

Legal counsel

Family law

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.

About This Job

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 (Rapides 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!

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a current Louisiana license to practice law.

Job Specification

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

Job Duties and Other Information

• 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.

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

Rapides 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.

Insurance Coverage

More information can be found at https://info.groupbenefits.org/

Parental Leave

Up to six weeks paid parental leave

More information can be found at https://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov/Parental-Leave/Default.aspx

Holidays and Leave

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
• Mardi Gras,
• Good Friday,
• Memorial Day,
• Independence Day,
• Labor Day,
• Veteran's Day,
• Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
• Additional holidays may be proclaimed by the Governor

State employees earn sick and annual leave which can be accumulated and saved for future use. Your accrual rate increases as your years of service increase.

Retirement

• Louisiana State Employees Retirement System (www.lasersonline.org). LASERS has provided this video to give you more detailed information about their system
• Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (www.trsl.org),
• Louisiana School Employees Retirement System (www.lsers.net), among others

Contact Information

Tra'lecia Holmes

Department of Children and Family Services

Tra'[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.

Louisiana State Government represents a wide variety of career options and offers an outstanding opportunity to make a difference through public service. With an array of career opportunities in every major metropolitan center and in many rural areas, state employment provides an outstanding option to begin or continue your career.

As a State Employee, You Will Earn Competitive Pay, Choose From a Variety Of Benefits, And Have Access To a Great Professional Development Program: