Senior Resource Attorney - Child Welfare

State of South Carolina; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Carolina Children's Law Center seeks an experienced Senior Resource Attorney to provide statewide leadership in child welfare legal education and professional development.

The role leads training programs for DSS attorneys and child welfare staff, manages statewide initiatives like the South Carolina Citizen Review Panels, and collaborates with judges, agency leaders, and partners to strengthen child welfare practice across South Carolina.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of general and South Carolina statutory and case law relating to child abuse and neglect.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to explain legal concepts to non-lawyers.
• Ability to exercise discretion in a responsible manner.
• Experience in developing curricula and conducting training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide training programs for Department of Social Services attorneys, paralegals, and child welfare professionals.
• Manage key statewide initiatives, including the South Carolina Citizen Review Panels.
• Collaborate with judges, attorneys, agency leaders, and partners to strengthen child welfare practice across South Carolina.
• Improve child welfare practice statewide through training, systems collaboration, and professional development.

Skills

Child Welfare Law Knowledge

Public Speaking

Communication Skills

Discretion

Organizational Skills

Education

South Carolina Bar membership

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Senior Resource Attorney - Child Welfare Department: LAW Children's Law Center Part/Full Time: Full Time Advertised Salary Range: About UofSC From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Advertised Job Summary The Children's Law Center seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Senior Resource Attorney, providing statewide leadership in child welfare legal education and professional development. This position is ideal for an attorney who is passionate about improving child welfare practice and is looking to expand their impact beyond individual cases. The Senior Resource Attorney develops and leads high-quality training programs for Department of Social Services attorneys, paralegals, and child welfare professionals, including the Children's Law Center's signature court skills training. The position also manages key statewide initiatives, including the South Carolina Citizen Review Panels, and collaborates with judges, attorneys, agency leaders, and other partners to strengthen child welfare practice across South Carolina. This position offers the opportunity to improve child welfare practice statewide through training, systems collaboration, and professional development, allowing the selected attorney to extend their impact beyond individual cases. The Senior Resource Attorney helps strengthen the child welfare workforce and advance better outcomes for children and families across South Carolina.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Thorough knowledge of general and South Carolina statutory and case law relating to child abuse and neglect.
• Thorough knowledge of family court rules and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply the law.
• Considerable knowledge of the dynamics and effects of child abuse and neglect.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to explain legal concepts and procedures to non-lawyers.
• Ability to handle numerous details and concurrent tasks with a high degree of proficiency.
• Ability to exercise discretion in a responsible manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Membership in the South Carolina Bar and experience representing the child protection agency.
• Experience in developing curricula and conducting training programs, including the use of technology in training.
• Prefer at least one year of managerial experience.

Additional Comments

Job Close Date 10/02/2026.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.