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Deputy General Counsel

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at CMS.DisabilityResCen@illinois.gov or call (217) 524-7514 for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status). To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history.  Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history.  To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.
Date:  May 13, 2025
Location: 

Chicago, IL, US, 60602

Job Requisition ID:  46044

Job Requisition ID: 46044

Opening Date: 05/14/2025
Closing Date: 06/04/2025
​Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTR - 40070 
Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Salary: $11,000 - $12,666 per month ($132,000 - $151,992 per year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Term Appointment/ Gubernatorial (Management Bill)

​ 

****************A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****************

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document that is not a Resume or CV.

 

When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended. 

 

Posting Identification Number  46044

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

 

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Office of General Counsel is seeking to hire a self-motivated, organized and detailed-oriented individual with a license to practice law in Illinois to serve as the Deputy General Counsel for its Division of Sexually Violent Persons (SVP) Program, forensic treatment programs, and Office of Inspector General [OIG].  The Deputy General Counsel will report directly to DHS’ General Counsel  and is responsible for providing timely and accurate legal advice and counsel on a wide range of legal issues to Department of Human Services (DHS) staff, on issues including, but not limited to, civil litigation defense, constitutional/civil rights, mental health treatment, investigatory processes, statutory interpretation, proposed legislation, subpoenas, freedom of information requests, media inquiries/responses, audit inquiries/responses, and other 3rd party inquiries in an environment that seeks to protect the confidential interests of its customers and service recipients

Essential Functions

  • Serves as Deputy General Counsel and the subject matter expert regarding pending litigation for the Sexually Violent Persons (SVP) Program, forensic treatment programs, and Office of Inspector General [OIG].

  • Provides independent legal advice on administrative and programmatic policies, rules, directives, procedures, and practices impacting the Office of Inspector General.

  • Independently reviews policies, rules, directives, procedures, and practices relating to the operations of the SVP program, forensic treatment programs, and OIG to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. 

  • Serves as full-line supervisor. 

  • Establishes and maintains professional working relationships with federal, state, and local officials on matters involving program areas including SVP, forensic treatment programs, and OIG.

  • In cooperation with the Communications Office, develops responses to public inquiries and/or requests including but not limited to subpoenas, requests pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, media inquiries, legislative inquiries, and other requests for information.

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

Minimum Qualifications

  • Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years college with course work in business law or legal studies.

  • Requires four (4) years progressively responsible professional experience in the practice of law.

  • Requires possession of a license to practice law in Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Four (4) years of professional experience working in a law firm environment. 

  • Four (4) years of professional experience responding to and advising governmental entities. 

  • Four (4) years of professional legal experience in State and Federal litigation, specifically defense against civil rights actions. 

  • Four (4) years of professional supervisory experience assigning work, providing guidance to subordinates, training staff, approving time off and preparing and signing performance evaluations. 

  • Four (4) years of professional experience reviewing proposed legislation, providing comments and working within deadlines. 

  • Four (4) years of professional experience in drafting outgoing communications to media outlets, members of the General Assembly and requestors under Freedom of Information statutes, as well as in responding to subpoenas seeking documents that may be protected under either State and/or federal law. 

  • Four (4) years of professional experience communicating in oral and written form with internal and external stakeholders ensuring detailed and critical analysis of work performed. 

  • Four (4) years of professional experience meeting deadlines with strong attention to detail and the ability to utilize critical thinking skills while multi-tasking multiple projects. 

Conditions of Employment

  • Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.

  • This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

*The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours:  8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday-Friday; 1-hour unpaid lunch 
Work Location: 69 W Washington St Chicago, IL 60602-3134 

Office of the General Counsel

SVP/Forensics and OIG
Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov
Posting Group: Leadership & Management; Legal, Audit & Compliance; Social Services 

 

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

 

Term Appointment: Candidates hired into a term position shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and are subject to a probationary period. The term may be renewed for successive four-year terms at the Director of the Department of Human Services’s discretion.

 

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

  • A Pension Program

  • Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance

  • 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually

  • 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)

  • 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)

    • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)

  • 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years

  • Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)

  • 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

  • Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan

  • Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)

  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility

  • GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans

  • 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

  • Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.

 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com


Nearest Major Market: Chicago

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