Cook County Regional Counsel

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Program

Health insurance (Medical, Life, and V

Dental and Vision Insurance

3 Paid Personal Business Days annually

12 Paid Sick Days annually

12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services seeks an organized Cook County Regional Counsel to represent the Department at hearings in Cook County Juvenile Court. The role involves on-site court appearances and providing legal input on matters to be presented to court.

Ideal candidates will hold a valid Illinois law license, have strong legal research and organizational skills, and be prepared to travel as needed. This is a salaried, union position with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Excellent legal, research, and organizational skills.
• Ability to provide input into training for staff on legal issues.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Cook County Regional Counsel.
• Assumes input into or conducts screenings to determine legal sufficiency for court presentation.
• Prepares memoranda on legal issues.
• Maintains current knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
• Maintains records of activities and reports to supervisor.

Skills

Legal research

Organizational skills

Court appearances

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) / law degree

Job description

TECHNICAL ADVISOR II - 45252

Job Requisition ID: 59028

Opening Date: 09/30/2026

Closing Date: 10/29/2026

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Class Title: TECHNICAL ADVISOR II - 45252

Skill Option: None

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated starting salary: $6,820/month (Step 1b) Full Range $6,820 - $9,875

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

Number of Vacancies: 2

Bargaining Unit Code: RC010 Professional Legal Unit, AFSCME

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 3 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs

Headquarter Location: 2245 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60612

Work County: Cook

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Cook County Regional Counsel. Under general direction, this position will represent the Department at hearings on assigned calendar in the Juvenile Court of Cook County, including temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, permanency, status, progress, termination of parental rights, and motion hearings. The position will appear personally in court, especially on high profile or complex cases. This position will also provide input into or conduct screenings to determine whether matters are legal sufficient to present to the court. This position is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to use their skills as an attorney to benefit child welfare services. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent legal, research, and organizational skills. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Cook County Regional Counsel
• As directed, provides input into or conducts screenings to determine whether matters are legally sufficient to present to the court
• Provides input into the planning and development of training for staff on legal issues
• As directed, makes periodic visits to assigned area office(s) to provide on-site legal consultation to workers
• Prepares memoranda on legal issues
• Maintains current working knowledge of relevant federal and state statutory and case law, state and federal regulations, and Department policy and procedures
• Maintains records of activities and actions taken on behalf of the Department and reports to supervisor regarding same
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass a background check
• Requires possession ability to travel
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

About the Agency

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
  • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill®Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link:https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

Revolving Door

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to thisposition. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine.

Economic Interest

This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.