Full TimeOn SiteMissouri
The Division of Legal Services (DLS) is looking for a Special Counsel to join our team supporting the Family Support Division (FSD).
Job Posting Number: 4131 8919113
Annual Starting Salary Range: $77,587.50 - $95,350.41 (Commensurate with experience.) Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).
Job Location: This position will work out of an office in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Jefferson City, Raytown, or Kansas City. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.
Why you’ll love this position: The Department of Social Services (DSS) partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth, and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy, and productive lives. DLS supports the legal needs of the Department, and attorneys within the division enjoy a diverse practice within multiple areas of the law, including state rulemaking, and federal regulatory interpretation, compliance, and advocacy.
As Special Counsel for FSD, you will work directly with the Deputy Chief of Special Counsel, Division Director, and Deputy Division Director on special projects, including providing a host of legal services, often collaborating across divisions to give consistent and sound legal advice allowing FSD to operate their programs within the parameters of federal and state laws and regulations. You will contribute to advising, drafting, and reviewing divisional policy and state regulations, legal documents and opinions, and contracts and Memorandums of Understanding for DLS and FSD. You will be responsible for reviewing fiscal notes pertaining to the FSD Program. You will provide consultative support to the Missouri Attorney General (AGO) Litigation Unit on litigation where DSS and/or the FSD Program is named as defendant and actively participate in and/or present at departmental and divisional meetings, cross-divisional meetings, and cross-departmental meetings. You will work in close collaboration with the Director of FSD and the FSD Policy Unit. In particular, you will be responsible for legal services for the FSD Child Support Program, including, among others, filing motions for correction and reconsideration of child support administrative hearing decisions, assisting in the referral of child support cases in Missouri Circuit Courts to internal and outside counsel for representation, handling subpoenas and summonses pertaining to child support cases, and answering legal questions from FSD Child Support staff. You also will assist with legal advice pertaining to other FSD programs.
You must be well-organized, able to perform case analyses, spot issues, and be proficient in time management.
Minimum Qualifications
A juris doctor from an accredited institution and membership in The Missouri Bar. Experience in litigation and a background in administrative law and child support are preferred but not required. Excellent research and writing skills are required.
Preferred Qualifications
Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional license which is only available to holders of specific post-secondary degrees.
The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.
If you have questions about this position, please contact Joyce Luebbering at Joyce.Luebbering@dss.mo.gov . If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Job Posting Number: 4131 8919113
Annual Starting Salary Range: $77,587.50 - $95,350.41 (Commensurate with experience.) Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).
Job Location: This position will work out of an office in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Jefferson City, Raytown, or Kansas City. All internal promotional applicants are encouraged to apply as there may be alternate office space available.
Why you’ll love this position: The Department of Social Services (DSS) partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth, and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy, and productive lives. DLS supports the legal needs of the Department, and attorneys within the division enjoy a diverse practice within multiple areas of the law, including state rulemaking, and federal regulatory interpretation, compliance, and advocacy.
As Special Counsel for FSD, you will work directly with the Deputy Chief of Special Counsel, Division Director, and Deputy Division Director on special projects, including providing a host of legal services, often collaborating across divisions to give consistent and sound legal advice allowing FSD to operate their programs within the parameters of federal and state laws and regulations. You will contribute to advising, drafting, and reviewing divisional policy and state regulations, legal documents and opinions, and contracts and Memorandums of Understanding for DLS and FSD. You will be responsible for reviewing fiscal notes pertaining to the FSD Program. You will provide consultative support to the Missouri Attorney General (AGO) Litigation Unit on litigation where DSS and/or the FSD Program is named as defendant and actively participate in and/or present at departmental and divisional meetings, cross-divisional meetings, and cross-departmental meetings. You will work in close collaboration with the Director of FSD and the FSD Policy Unit. In particular, you will be responsible for legal services for the FSD Child Support Program, including, among others, filing motions for correction and reconsideration of child support administrative hearing decisions, assisting in the referral of child support cases in Missouri Circuit Courts to internal and outside counsel for representation, handling subpoenas and summonses pertaining to child support cases, and answering legal questions from FSD Child Support staff. You also will assist with legal advice pertaining to other FSD programs.
You must be well-organized, able to perform case analyses, spot issues, and be proficient in time management.
Minimum Qualifications
A juris doctor from an accredited institution and membership in The Missouri Bar. Experience in litigation and a background in administrative law and child support are preferred but not required. Excellent research and writing skills are required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to review, analyze, and/or interpret federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as related to the assigned programs.
- Previous work experience with the Department of Social Services, or at a related agency in state or federal government.
- Knowledge of Missouri child support law and litigation.
- Experience with administrative hearings and circuit court litigation.
- Strong communication and advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage a diverse caseload with efficiency and attention to detail.
- Willingness to work in varied settings and adapt as necessary.
- Collaborative spirit to work effectively with support staff and legal team members.
- Openness to continuous learning and participation in training programs.
Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional license which is only available to holders of specific post-secondary degrees.
The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.
If you have questions about this position, please contact Joyce Luebbering at Joyce.Luebbering@dss.mo.gov . If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-526-0416.
Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
