Work for Indiana

Grow your career with the State of Indiana! With more than 50 executive branch agencies, the State of Indiana is a diverse workforce offering employees stimulating and challenging projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana’s communities every day.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion – Our goal is to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace, with a workforce that is representative of the State of Indiana population. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Hire Salary:

The minimum salary for this classification is $67,132. Additional compensation is commensurate with years as a practicing attorney.

About the Department of Child Services:

Mission: The Indiana Department of Child Services leads the state’s response to allegations of child abuse and neglect and facilitates child support payments. We consider the needs and values of all we serve in our efforts to protect children while keeping families together whenever possible.

Vision: Children will live in safe, healthy and supportive families and communities.

Values: We at the Indiana Department of Child Services empower our team, in collaboration with state and local partners, to make decisions in the best interest of every child in our care by embracing:

Respect for all
Racial justice
Diversity and inclusion
A culture of safety
A commitment to continuous improvement

About the Job:

The Deputy Chief Counsel acts as a liaison between Chief Counsel and staff and supervises staff attorneys assigned to certain courts and certain matters and support staff assigned to those attorneys. This individual also provides legal advice and legal services for Central Office, County Offices and/or staff of DCS for matters relating to Child Welfare, Child Support and personnel matters and to represent and assist the Agency in administrative and/ or court matters. Deputy will address personnel matters involving those persons he/she supervises.

A Day in the Life:

Complete understanding of all litigation conducted by the County Office including CHINS, TPR, appeals, daycare, foster care licensing revocations, AAP/County Subsidy, Adult Guardianships and other cases.
Carry a reduced caseload;
Communicate to Courts with regard to matters handled by attorneys in his/her assigned units including policy;
Advise Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned;
Supervise work of contract attorneys;
Conduct legal trainings for Family Case Managers, attorneys and others as requested;
Litigate Children in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases in State Courts, representing the agency in such actions.
Handle administrative matters and hearings as assigned;
Organize and manage caseload in preparation of hearings and/or litigation;
Generates appropriate pleadings, motions and discovery, and responses;
Delegate to and provide support for any legal support staff;
Draft appeals and appellate briefs;
Participate in committees, groups or teams such as screen out committees;
Cover any matter that subordinates are unavailable or unable to cover;
Perform other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For:

Doctorate of Jurisprudence;
Indiana Bar Admission; license in good standing;

What You'll Need for Success:

Doctorate of Jurisprudence;
Indiana Bar Admission; license in good standing;
Strong legal research, writing and litigation skills;
Strong communication and public speaking skills;
Demonstrated strong knowledge and ability to apply relevant statutes, case law and rules.
Demonstrated knowledge of all functions of DCS.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role provides direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) and vision/dental coverages
Wellness program (offers premiums discount for the medical plan)
Health savings account (includes bi-weekly state contribution)
Deferred compensation account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
Group life insurance
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Paid vacation, personal and sick time off
Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs
12 company paid holidays, 14 on election years
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
New Parent Leave
Free Parking
Free LinkedIn Learning