Special Assistant General Counsel

Job Requisition ID: 46558

Agency : Department of Children and Family Services

Title: Public Service Administrator Option 8L (Special Assistant to General Counsel)
Closing Date/Time: 05/19/2025

Supervisor: Marjorie Moore

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,150 - $10,150/month
Job Type: Salaried
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Plan/BU: None

**************** 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.

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 biggersomething 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 scheduleflexible 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.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Special Assistant General Counsel. Under administrative direction, this position will provide legal advice and counsel to the Department's administrative and professional staff. The position will also consult with division staff regarding the utilization of contractual services, providing advice on the viability of such requests. Additionally, the position will provide interpretation of court orders, statutes, and regulations for implementation by DCFS personnel and will advise and provide input into the implementation of specific mandates pursuant to consent decrees. 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 and organizational skills and strong leadership capabilities. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

• Provides legal advice and counsel to the agency's administrative and professional staff, particularly with regard to matters related to the Office of Contract Administration, Office of Child and Family Policy, Office of Legislative Affairs, Central Office, Executive Staff, and Department administrative staff
• Confers and consults with division staff requesting the utilization of contractual services
• Provides interpretation of court orders, statutes, and regulations for implementation by DCFS personnel
• Provides advice and counsel to staff of the Division of Licensing regarding questions on licensing rules, statutes, and procedures
• Serves as Special Assistant Attorney General and appears in Juvenile Court in cases where the Regional Counsel is unable to appear due to scheduling or other conflicts
• Develops and provides responses to Office of Inspector General recommendations as assigned
• Represents the Department in administrative hearings and licensing appeals, which involve some adverse decision or action regarding a DCFS license, such as revocation, placement hold, non-renewal, license denial, etc.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires three years of progressively responsible experience in the practice of law

• Prefers a minimum of three years of professional experience drafting contracts
• Prefers a minimum of three years of experience providing legal counsel regarding confidentiality and/or HIPAA-related issues in a government setting
• Prefers a minimum of three years of professional experience conducting legal analysis
• Prefers a minimum of three years of professional experience conducting legal research and writing legal opinions
• Prefers a minimum of one year of professional experience presenting and arguing legal cases in court or administrative hearings
• Prefers a minimum of one year of professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities
• Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois law gained by work as an attorney or paralegal

• Requires the ability to pass a background check
• Requires possession of a valid driver's license and ability to travel
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description

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. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Work Location: 60 E Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

Agency Contact:

Michael Bernardy

... (for questions only)

Revolving Door:

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.

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:

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