PARALEGAL ASSISTANT
Chicago, IL, US, 60612-4266
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.
Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Closing Date/Time: 05/25/2022
Salary: Anticipated starting salary $4006 (Step 1C)
Job Type: Salaried Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Plan/BU: RC062
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Paralegal. Under direct supervision of a licensed attorney, receives and processes subpoenas for Cook County Division of Child Protection records; reviews documents; conducts legal pre-screenings and screenings; reviews documents; researches and retrieves case files; provides follow-up with caseworkers and supervisors; maintains daily log of subpoenas and requests for records; travels in the performance of duties.
Collective Bargaining Agreement language applies to this requisition:
We are currently transitioning away from a paper application process to an electronic application process. This position has not been transitioned. Please follow the directions below when applying to this position.
DO NOT APPLY ONLINE
**DO NOT CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON**
CMS100/B Employment Application and all applicable documentation should be submitted to the Agency contact listed below.
Posting Identification # 2203011-035860
Job Responsibilities
1. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, receives, reviews, and processes subpoenas for Cook County Division of Child Protection (DCP) records; maintains original subpoena in Local Central Index (LCI) and forwards subpoena and requested documents to appropriate source for redaction and distribution; redacts information as requested and provides redacted materials to secretarial staff for mailing; reviews documents and pre-screening packets submitted by caseworkers; obtains legal materials for staff attorneys.
2. Under the supervision of a licensed attorney, conducts and/or participates in legal pre-screenings and screenings for termination of parental rights, subsidized guardianships, and other permanency options, including interviewing and consulting with child welfare workers, supervisors, and other appropriate personnel as deemed necessary; travels to various locations in the performance of duties.
3. Researches and retrieves LCI case files, investigative case notes from SACWIS, and microfilm; confers with supervisors and caseworkers to make inquiries regarding file status; independently corresponds with Departmental staff, clients, and outside attorneys regarding requested documentation; informs attorneys verbally and/or in writing if unable to locate files or meet deadlines.
(Job Responsibilities continued)
4.Follows up with caseworkers, supervisors, and Office of Legal Services staff regarding subpoena requests, reports, casework preparation, legal screenings, and other quality control issues; generates reports on problematic issues.
5. Monitors and maintains a daily log of subpoenas, legal screenings, records requests, and responses; monitors to ensure reasonable response time and provision of information to appropriate sources.
6. Prepares for and provides input into trainings presented by the Office of Legal Services; performs special projects and prepares reports.
7. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Education Degree
1. Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with coursework in such areas as legal, pre-legal, English, statistics or directly related coursework.
Employment Conditions
1. Requires the ability to pass a background check
2. Requires possession of a valid driver's license and ability to travel
Location: 2245 W Ogden Ave Chicago, IL 60612
Work Hours: M-F 8:30am-5pm
Supervisor: Fox, David
Bid ID #: 2203011-035860
Agency Contact:
Michael Bernardy
Phone: 217-558-8163
Fax: 217-524-3970
Email: Michael.Bernardy@Illinois.gov (preferred)
CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A SEPARATE BID FORM (as applicable) AND CMS-100/B FOR EACH POSTED VACANCY APPLIED FOR.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
DO NOT APPLY ONLINE
**DO NOT CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON**
Current State Employees:
- Seeking a Promotion – Submit an Official Position Vacancy Bid Form and CMS-100B Employment Application (version dated 9/2020 or after) to the Agency Contact address listed above.
- Older versions of the CMS-100B will not be graded or returned to applicants.
- Failure to complete and submit the new CMS-100B (version dated 9/2020 or after) will result in your application being rejected.
- Seeking a Transfer – Submit an Official Position Vacancy Bid Form, Transfer Request, and CMS-100 Employment Application (version dated 9/2020 or after) to the Agency Contact address listed above.
- A separate Bid form and Application is required for each Posting Identification#/Job Requisition ID # or your bid will be rejected.
- Failure to complete and submit the new CMS-100 version (dated 9/2020 or after) will result in your application being rejected.
- Seeking a Reduction - Submit an Official Position Vacancy Bid Form and CMS-100 Employment Application (version dated 9/2020 or after) to the Agency Contact address listed above.
- A separate Bid form and Application is required for each Posting Identification#/Job Requisition ID # or your bid will be rejected.
- Failure to complete and submit the new CMS-100 (version dated 9/2020 or after) will result in your application being rejected.
Former State Employees:
- Submit an Official Position Vacancy Bid Form and CMS-100 Employment Application (version dated 9/2020 or after) to the Agency Contact address listed above.
- A separate Bid form and Application is required for each Posting Identification#/Job Requisition ID # or your bid will be rejected.
- Failure to complete and submit the new CMS-100 (version dated 9/2020 or after) will result in your application being rejected.
Non-State Employees:
- Submit a CMS-100 Employment Application (version dated 9/2020 or after) and official college transcripts (where applicable) to the Agency Contact address listed above.
- Documentation is required for each Posting/Bid ID or your application(s) will be rejected.
- Failure to complete and submit the new CMS-100 version (dated 9/2020 or after) will result in your application being rejected.