STAFF ATTORNEY, DCYF

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

Job summary

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth and Families has an opening for a Staff Attorney at the Laconia District Office. This onsite counsel role develops legal strategies, interprets applicable statutes, and represents DCYF in NH courts and hearings.

Minimum qualifications include a JD from an accredited law school, four years of active legal practice, and membership in good standing of the NH Bar.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and four years’ experience in the active practice of law.
• Must be a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in Good Standing.
• Knowledge of judicial procedures, state and federal child-protection laws, and court processes.

Responsibilities

• Litigates on behalf of DCYF in child abuse/neglect and termination of parental rights cases.
• Represents DCYF in court, pre-hearings and administrative hearings.
• Assists DCYF CPSWs in the preparation of their cases for litigation.
• Confers with DHHS staff, outside attorneys, law enforcement, court personnel and judges on DCYF court cases and motions.
• Provides ongoing consultation and training to ensure DCYF CPSWs adhere to best legal practice.
• Acts as liaison between DCYF staff and Court personnel for timely communication.

Skills

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Client counseling

Education

Juris Doctor degree (JD)

Job description

State of New Hampshire Job Posting

Department of Health and Human Services

Division for Children, Youth, & Families- Legal Unit

Laconia District Office

STAFF ATTORNEY

#9U780

The pay range for this position is $72,930.00-$101,490.00 annually

• See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.

The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, Division for Children, Youth, and Families has a full-time vacancy for Staff Attorney.

SUMMARY:

Serves as the onsite legal counsel for the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) in a District Office Child Protective Service Unit. Represents the Division and develops legal strategies, interprets and applies Federal and state statutes, rules, case law, precedent, etc. in New Hampshire Circuit Courts, administrative hearings, and other legal forums.

YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS : Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education/Experience: Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and four years’ experience in the active practice of law.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION : Must be a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in Good Standing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Must possess a knowledge of judicial procedures and rules; common, statutory and constitutional laws of the state of New Hampshire; court and legal procedures; and state and federal laws relating to Child Protection.

Must have the demonstrated ability to prepare legal pleadings, briefs and memoranda, perform legal research; render effective decisions and deal tactfully with the courts, law enforcement, DCYF staff and management as well as the public.

Disclaimer Statement : The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that classification.

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.

For further information please contact Deanna Baker, DCYF Legal Director, [e-mail], 603-419-0491.

• TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:

HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:

The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.

See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx

Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay

Other Benefits:

• Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
• $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)

Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:

https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf

https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx

EOE

TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964