SPECIAL ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL

100KCrossing; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Pension program

Paid holidays

Job summary

State of Illinois is seeking an Assistant General Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services in Chicago. The role focuses on providing legal advice to central office management, licensing staff, and program staff on adoptions, guardianship, and permanency goals.

The position requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and experience in administrative law. It offers a salaried schedule, competitive benefits, and a path to contribute to the welfare of Illinois children and

Responsibilities

• Provides legal advice and counsel to the agency’s central office management and professional staff
• Provides advice and counsel to staff of the Division of Licensing regarding licensing rules, statutes, and procedures
• Provides legal advice to program staff concerning adoptions, guardianship, permanency goals, and other initiatives
• Provides legal counsel to professional staff concerning adoptions and permanency issues in developing case presentation and interpreting court orders, statutes, and regulations
• Serves as a liaison and coordinates with the Attorney General’s Office regarding state level appellate cases involving the Department
• Represents the Department in administrative hearings and licensing appeals which involve some adverse decision of actions regarding a DCFS license

Job description

ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL – Job Details | State of Illinois

Job Requisition ID:58540

Opening Date: 09/08/2026

Closing Date:10/06/2026

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:Cook

Number of Vacancies:1

Bargaining Unit Code:None

Merit Comp Code:Managerial Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application. Please attach aDETAILEDResume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)to theMY DOCUMENTSsection of your application if you decide to provide one.

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 Special Assistant General 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:

• Provides legal advice and counsel to the agency’s central office management and professional staff


• Provides advice and counsel to staff of the Division of Licensing regarding any and all questions on licensingrules, statutes, and procedures


• Provides legal advice and counsel to program staff concerning any and all questions on adoptions, guardianship,permanency goals, and other initiatives


• Provides legal counsel to professional staff concerning any and all questions on adoptions and permanency issues in developing case presentation and interpreting court orders, statutes, and regulations


• Serves as a liaison and provides coordination with the Attorney General’s Office regarding state level appellate cases involving the Department


• Represents the Department in administrative hearings and licensing appeals which involve some adverse decision of actions regarding a DCFS license, such as revocation, placement hold, non-renewal, license denial, etc.


• Reviews drafts and coordinates with staff the finalization of Department Intergovernmental Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding


• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school and possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois


• Requires three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1 year of experience providing legal counsel regarding legislation, administrative rules, and procedures to a governmentalentity


• 3 years of professional experience as an attorney conducting legal analysis and legal research


• 1 year of professional experience as an attorney addressing licensing/regulatory violations and enforcement matters


• 1 year of professional experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court or administrative hearings


• 3 years of professional experience as an attorney working in collaboration with various internal and external entities

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.

Benefits:

• 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)

Work Hours:

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Work Location:

60 E Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, 60605

Agency Contact:

Michael Bernardy

Posting Group:

Legal, Audit & Compliance

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: