LEGAL COUNSEL

Essential Functions

• Serves as Legal Counsel to the DCFS Guardian.
• Plans and conducts investigations and complex legal research on issues affecting the DCFS Office of the
  Guardian’s administration of statutory duties and responsibilities.
• Accesses and updates systems and procedures to monitor and track criminal matters, probate and estate cases,
  administrative actions, education cases, civil actions, and other general legal case information for youth in care, such
  as court appearances, pleadings, discovery, and contracts.
• Reviews the implementation of program initiatives, policies, and procedures through site visits and other means.
• Develops and provides training for Department staff regarding the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the
  Guardian.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated
  above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school and possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois.
• Requires three years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law in the area of child welfare or public
  welfare law.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of professional experience in the practice of law in the areas of child welfare or family law.
• 3 years of professional experience in the practice of law in at least 4 of the following areas: education, adult guardianship,
  immigration, civil issues, adoptions, administrative hearings, privacy issues, and criminal or probate matters.
• 3 years of professional management experience in a legal setting in a public or business organization.
• 3 years of professional experience conducting complex legal research as an attorney.

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties.
2. Requires ability to pass a background check.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job
   description.

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.

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