Senior Resource Attorney - Child Welfare

State of South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of South Carolina seeks a Senior Resource Attorney for the Child Welfare Department to lead statewide training and professional development across South Carolina. You will design, implement and oversee training for DSS attorneys, paralegals, and child welfare staff, including court skills programs.

You will drive statewide initiatives like the Citizen Review Panels, work with judges and agency leaders, and help strengthen child welfare practice beyond individual cases.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including public speaking.

Responsibilities

• Develops and leads high-quality training programs for Department of Social Services attorneys, paralegals, and child welfare professionals.
• Leadership of statewide initiatives, including the South Carolina Citizen Review Panels.
• Collaborates with judges, attorneys, agency leaders, and partners to strengthen child welfare practice statewide.

Skills

SC child law knowledge

Family court rules

Public speaking

Explain legal concepts

Detail management

Policy collaboration

Training delivery

Job description

About the Position

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.

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.

Job Closing Date

10/02/2026

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by October 2, 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.