Legislative & Policy Counsel

State of Illinois

Springfield (MO)

On-site

USD 115,506 - 129,456

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Pension Program

Health Insurance

Paid Personal Business Days

Paid Sick Days

Paid Vacation

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services seeks a Legislative & Policy Counsel to advance legal strategies and oversee policy matters affecting children and families. The role requires strong leadership, legal analysis, and cross‑agency collaboration.

The ideal candidate will manage legislative affairs, draft opinions, and testify before committees while coordinating with internal policy offices and external legislators to implement changes that protect vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school and license to practice law in Illinois.
3 years of administrative experience in the practice of law.

Responsibilities

Serve as Legislative and Policy Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services.
Act as liaison between policy offices and legislative affairs to align rules and procedures with enacted legislation.
Represent DCFS before the General Assembly, Congress, and staff on legislation and proposed changes.
Monitor and track legislative proposals; provide testimony before committees as needed.
Serve as an expert on new legislation, revisions to statutes, and agency rules.

Skills

Legal Counsel

Legal Research

Drafting Opinions

Liaison Skills

Communication

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Licensed Illinois Attorney

Job description

Job Requisition ID:57718
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date:08/25/2026
Agency:Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title:PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option:Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option:None
Salary:Anticipated Starting Salary $10,350 - $11,600/month
Job Type:Salaried
Category:Full Time
County:Sangamon
Number of Vacancies:1
Bargaining Unit Code:None
Merit Comp Code:Gubernatorial (Management Bill) Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage

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.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Legislative & Policy Counsel. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

Essential Functions

Serves as Legislative and Policy Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services
Serves as liaison between the Office of Child and Family Policy and Legislative Affairs to ensure continuity andalignment in the development and implementation of Rules and Procedures necessary to carry out newly enactedlegislation
Serves as Department liaison to members of the General Assembly, Congress, and their staffRepresents and communicates the Department’s interests on legislative matters and engages with elected officialsand staff regarding legislation, proposed statutory changes, and legislative agendas
Establishes and maintains systems and procedures to monitor and track various legislative proposals
Serves as a subject matter expert for the Department on newly enacted legislation, revisions to existing statutes,agency rules and procedures, and all other relevant law
Provides testimony before the General Assembly and Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) to presentthe Department’s viewpoint and legal opinion regarding current and proposed rules and legislation and ramificationson the Department, foster and adoptive parents, children, and families
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumeratedabove

Minimum Qualifications

Requires graduation from an accredited law school and possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
Requires three years of administrative experience in the practice of law

Preferred Qualifications

4 years of professional experience in reviewing and interpreting proposed rules and legislation
4 years of experience as an attorney conducting legal research and drafting legal opinions
4 years of experience as an attorney drafting and providing legal counsel regarding proposed legislation, rules,and/or policies
3 years of professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities
4 years of experience with child welfare-related statutes and rules that govern or may have a substantial impact onDCFS’ operations

Conditions of Employment

Requires the ability to pass a background check.
Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. 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.
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.
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)