Staff Attorney — Child Protection Litigation

State of New Hampshire; Conway (NH); On-site; USD 73,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental plan

Flexible Spending healthcare and child

State retirement plan

Wellness program

Paid holidays and generous leave

Job summary

State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth and Families, seeks a Staff Attorney to serve as onsite counsel in the DCYF District Office.

Responsibilities include litigating child abuse/neglect, representing in court and hearings, assisting CPSWs, and advising DCYF staff on state and federal law. JD and NH Bar in good standing required; full-time with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree with four years of active practice of law.

Responsibilities

• Litigates on behalf of DCYF in child abuse/neglect cases, termination of parental rights proceedings, guardianship cases and administrative appeals.
• Represents DCYF in court, in pre-hearings and in administrative hearings including matters before the DHHS Administrative Appeals Unit, and other legal venues including in the superior court for criminal cases and circuit court for juvenile, marital, guardianship or other matters when DCYF is involved with a family or child.
• Assists DCYF Child Protective Service Workers (CPSWs) in the preparation of their cases for litigation in court and other proceedings.
• Confers with DHHS staff, outside attorneys, law enforcement, court personnel and judges in matters concerning DCYF court cases, pleadings, and motions and reviews record requests.
• Provides ongoing consultation and training to ensure that DCYF CPSWs adhere to best legal practice.
• Acts as liaison between DCYF staff and Court personnel to ensure timely and effective communication.
• Advises DCYF Supervisors and CPSWs regarding the interpretation and applicability of state and federal law, rules, regulations, DCYF policy and court procedure. Advises DCYF on implementation of agency policy and procedures.
• Plans legal strategies and procedures in accordance with federal and state statutory and regulatory mandates.
• Keeps the Regional/Supervising Attorney, Supervising Staff Attorney in the office (in offices with three or more attorneys), and DCYF staff informed of litigation activity and associated administrative matters. Provides legal opinions on matters of child protection statute and related statutes.

Skills

Legal research

Court litigation

Child Protection law

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth and Families, seeks a Staff Attorney to serve as onsite counsel in the DCYF District Office.

Responsibilities include litigating child abuse/neglect, representing in court and hearings, assisting CPSWs, and advising DCYF staff on state and federal law. JD and NH Bar in good standing required; full-time with comprehensive benefits.