Child Services Attorney

State of Indiana; Terre Haute (IN); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Wellness rewards

Pension plans

Leave benefits

Education reimbursement

LinkedIn Learning

Free Parking

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The State of Indiana’s Department of Child Services seeks a Child Services Attorney in Terre Haute to provide legal services in juvenile law, including CHINS, TPR, and adoptions, coordinating with Family Case Managers for court readiness.

You will represent the agency in court and administrative matters, assist with policy and legislation, and ensure compliance across Central and County Offices. This exempt, full-time role offers immediate trial experience and a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree and active bar admission.
• Indiana Bar Admission with license in good standing or admission to another state's bar with willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status.
• Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Advise Department of Child Services staff on program and legal areas.
• Manage all phases of discovery and lead courtroom litigation in support of child welfare cases.
• Draft and review legal correspondence.
• Liaise to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
• Draft and review legislation and administrative rules.
• Organize and manage caseload for hearings and litigation.

Skills

Legal research

Written & oral advocacy

Public speaking

Education

Doctorate of Jurisprudence

Indiana Bar Admission

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Child Services:

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana's most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVPfoundation:

Mission: Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.
Vision: Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.
Purpose: Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview:

The Child Services Attorney provides legal advice and legal services to the Central Office, County Offices, and staff for juvenile law related to Child Welfare, Child Support, and personnel matters. You will also assist and represent DCS in court and administrative issues. Specific areas of representation include Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases, Termination of Parental Rights (TPR), Adoptions, Foster Care Licensing Actions, and other child safety issues. You will work closely with Family Case Managers to prepare for court hearings and may serve as legal counsel for internal employment issues. This position provides immediate trial experience and does not encompass billable hours. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours a week.

This position is in Terre Haute, Indiana, North DCS Office and will serve Vigo County, and surrounding counties as needed.

Indiana accepts the Uniform Bar Exam! Follow this link to learn about the Uniform Bar Exam and state jurisdictions.

This position traditionally starts at an annual salary of $75,010 but may be commensurate with education and job experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Advises Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.
• Child Services Attorneys are responsible for managing all phases of discovery and leading courtroom litigation in support of child welfare cases.
• Drafts and reviews legal correspondence.
• Serves as a liaison to the Attorney General on litigation and tort claims matters.
• Drafts and reviews legislation and administrative rules.
• Performs legal research and writing assignments.
• Provides general legal support for the Office of General Counsel.
• Conducts legal training for Family Case Managers, attorneys, and others as requested.
• Litigates Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts representing the agency in such actions.
• Handles administrative matters and hearings as assigned.
• Organizes and manages caseload in preparation for hearings and/or litigation.
• Generates appropriate pleadings, motions, discovery, and responses.
• Delegates to and provides support for any legal support staff.
• May be required to participate in committees, groups, or teams such as screen-out committees.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee's activities, duties, or responsibilities. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Credentials:

• Doctorate of Jurisprudence.
• Indiana Bar Admission with license in good standing OR admission to the bar of any state within the United States with license in good standing and willingness to obtain temporary foreign license status under the conditions and limitations of rule 6.1 of the Indiana Rules for Admissions to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys pending admissions to the Indiana Bar.
• Strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to apply relevant statutes, case law, and rules.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b)account (similar to401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 in election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .