Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

Agency Information:

Kansas Department for Children and Families
Administration - Legal Division
www.dcf.ks.gov

About the Position

• Who can apply: External

• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary: Regular

• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

• Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Employment Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

• Sick & Vacation leave

• Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

• Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

• Fitness Centers in select locations

• Employee discounts with the STAR Program

• Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Position Summary & Responsibilities

This position serves as overall general counsel to the Department for Children and Families. Responsibilities include providing legal representation, advice and counsel on all areas of law related to the agency. Work involves handling complex matters involving significant potential liability to the agency. Drafts proposed legislation, analyzes proposed legislation to determine its effect on the agency and its operations, monitors legislative activity affecting the agency and testifies before legislative committees. Represents the department before state courts, federal courts and other administrative agencies as required.

Essential Position Responsibilities:

• Actively manages the operations of the agency’s legal division, including supervising and providing guidance to the legal staff located across the State
• Represents the State in Federal court, State court, and administrative hearings.
• Interprets and explains relevant law, prepares briefs, letters, written decisions and memoranda in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Performs legal research.
• Prepares legal opinions involving interpretation of agency laws and regulations.
• Provides legal counsel to respective agency.
• Directs the preparation of contracts, leases, opinions, and the formulation of rules and regulations.
• Evaluates finding and develops strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Confers with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of a legal issue to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings.

Qualifications:

Graduated with degree from accredited school of law. Candidates must be admitted to and in good standing with the Bar of the Supreme Court of Kansas. At least 6 years of progressive experience practicing as an attorney. Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the State of Kansas and the US Federal District Court.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate well orally and in writing with all levels of personnel, public officials, and the general public.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports, correspondence, and legal briefs.
• Ability to work as team.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to draw reasonable, logical conclusions from limited information.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements: Security Clearance: A background check (KBI - criminal background, welfare fraud, driver's license and Child/Adult Abuse and Neglect Central Registry) is required for all positions with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a condition of employment, which may include fingerprinting and FBI check. Security clearance must be obtained prior to employment with DCF.

Recruiter Contact Information

• Name: Debbie Lang

• Email: Debbie.Lang@ks.gov

• Phone: (785) 296-5103

• Fax: (785) 296-2173

Job Application Process

• First Sign in or register as a New User.

• Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

• Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

• Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.

  • Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

  • Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page

  • Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

    
    

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

• KDOR Tax Clearance Certificate

• Cover Letter

• Resume

• Transcripts - can be unofficial

• Copy of Bar License

• DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

• Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents” and “Save Tax Clearance Certificate as a PDF”

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate Required: Each applicant (even non-residents) applying for a State of Kansas job vacancy must obtain a valid Kansas Certificate of Tax Clearance by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's website. A Tax Clearance is a comprehensive tax account review to determine and ensure that an individual's account is compliant with all primary Kansas Tax Laws. A Tax Clearance expires every 90 days. All applicants, including current state employees, are responsible for submitting a valid certificate with all other application materials to the hiring agency. This is in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact 785-296-3199.