COOK COUNTY REGIONAL COUNSEL

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Cook County Regional Counsel. Under general direction, this position will represent the Department at hearings on assigned calendar in the Juvenile Court of Cook County, including temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, permanency, status, progress, termination of parental rights, and motion hearings. The position will appear personally in court, especially on high profile or complex cases. This position will also provide input into or conduct screenings to determine whether matters are legal sufficient to present to the court. This position is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to use their skills as an attorney to benefit child welfare services. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent legal, research, and organizational skills. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

Job Responsibilities

1. Serves as Cook County Regional Counsel

2. As directed, provides input into or conducts screenings to determine whether matters are legally sufficient to present to the court

3. Provides input into the planning and development of training for staff on legal issues

4. As directed, makes periodic visits to assigned area office(s) to provide on-site legal consultation to workers

5. Prepares memoranda on legal issues

6. Maintains current working knowledge of relevant federal and state statutory and case law, state and federal regulations, and Department policy and procedures

7. Maintains records of activities and actions taken on behalf of the Department and reports to supervisor regarding same

8. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires graduation from a recognized law school

2. Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to pass a background check

2. Requires possession ability to travel

About the Agency

DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus.