Paralegal

State of Illinois; Quincy (MA); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension program

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking a Paralegal to join our legal team in Illinois. The role emphasizes organization, leadership, and clear communication to support staff attorneys, file management, and court-related tasks.

The ideal candidate will have a four-year college degree with related coursework and two years of public/legal experience, plus strong writing and analytical abilities. Hybrid work availability is offered, with in-office requirements as needed.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with coursework in such areas as legal, pre-legal, English, statistics or directly related coursework
• Two years of experience in a law office or legal area of a public or business organization applying working knowledge of precedent cases, writing style format, and vocabulary appropriate to the legal profession
• 2 years of experience in a public or business organization applying the ability to write in a clear and concise manner

Responsibilities

• Serves as Paralegal
• Attends court hearings as directed
• Reviews all files on call sheet to ensure that files have been received
• Performs special projects and prepares statistical or other reports
• Receives and processes all subpoenas received by staff
• Obtains legal materials upon request of staff attorneys, either from law libraries or from other Department offices
• Under the direction of staff attorneys, files court documents and serves legal papers
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Skills

Legal writing

Analytical thinking

Organization

Communication skills

Drafting material

Education

Bachelor's degree in legal or related field

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 59117
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: PARALEGAL (30860)
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated starting salary: $5,127/month (Step 1b) Full Range $5,127 - $7,135
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:
Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 3 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 107 N 3rd St, Quincy, Illinois, 62301
Work County: Adams
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

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 Paralegal. 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 Paralegal
• Attends court hearings as directed
• Reviews all files on call sheet to ensure that files have been received
• Performs special projects and prepares statistical or other reports
• Receives and processes all subpoenas received by staff
• Obtains legal materials upon request of staff attorneys, either from law libraries or from other Department offices
• Under the direction of staff attorneys, files court documents and serves legal papers
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with coursework in such areas as legal, pre-legal, English, statistics or directly related coursework

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in a law office or legal area of a public or business organization applying working knowledge of precedent cases, writing style format, and vocabulary appropriate to the legal profession
• 2 years of experience in a law office or legal area of a public or business organization applying working knowledge of technical report writing, vocabulary, and word usage
• 2 years of experience in a public or business organization utilizing the ability to write in a clear and concise manner
• 2 years of experience in a law office or legal area of a public or business organization utilizing the ability to analyze and organize facts, evidence, and precedents and drafting written material to legal staff in a clear and logical format
• 2 years of experience in a public or business organization applying the ability to organize and present statistical data

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to pass a background check
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
• 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:

Benefits

• 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 Lease
• 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)

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