CHINS/TPR Attorney III – Public Defender

City of Indianapolis and Marion County; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County Public Defender Agency seeks an attorney to provide indigent parent representation in CHINS and TPR cases in Marion County. Independent judgment is required in absence of policy guidance; decisions impact agency policy. Requires JD and license to practice law.

Position reports to Division Chief; essential functions in office; travel and courtroom appearances are expected as cases arise in state courts.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate and license to practice law required.
• Two years of experience in TPR/CHINS work.
• Experience taking a termination of parental rights case through trial as a first- or second-chair attorney.
• Strong verbal, written, communication and presentation skills are required.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Division attorneys must comply with relevant standards, guidelines, and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Appears frequently in court to advocate for parents in CHINS and TPR cases, including pre-trial advocacy, bench trials, and post-adjudication advocacy.
• Conducts legal and factual review of cases; interviews clients, service providers, and witnesses; evaluates legal and factual strength of CHINS and TPR cases.
• Advises clients on legal matters and navigating the child welfare system to prevent family separation and reunify families.
• Negotiates with the Department of Child Services and advocates for parents with service providers to achieve objectives in child welfare matters.
• Communicates with clients in person, by phone or video conference, and in writing; keeps clients informed about progress.
• Collaborates with social workers on multidisciplinary strategies to achieve client objectives.
• Delegates assignments to paralegals and investigators when appropriate.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.

Education

Juris Doctorate

Job description

The City of Indianapolis and Marion County Public Defender Agency seeks an attorney to provide indigent parent representation in CHINS and TPR cases in Marion County. Independent judgment is required in absence of policy guidance; decisions impact agency policy. Requires JD and license to practice law.

Position reports to Division Chief; essential functions in office; travel and courtroom appearances are expected as cases arise in state courts.