Child and Family Services Policy Counsel

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Child and Family Services Policy Counsel.  Under administrative direction, this position will draft and revise administrative rules, policy documents, and Departmental procedures.  The position will prepare and finalize rulemaking documents, conduct legal research, and represent the Office of Child and Family Policy at meetings with the staff of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.  This position is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to use their skills as an attorney to benefit policy development related to 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.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Child and Family Services Policy Counsel
• Conducts legal research
• Leads work groups comprised of management and/or subject matter experts representing various divisions/disciplines within the Department
• Represents the Office of Child and Family Policy at meetings with the staff of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR)
• Prepares written Bill Review analyses or written analyses of pending legislation which has the potential to affect the Department
• Assembles and maintains documentation for each rulemaking and policymaking project to ensure retention of supporting information and reasoning behind decision making relative to policies and rules
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires graduation from a recognized law school
• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires 2 years of professional experience in the practice of law

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of experience applying thorough knowledge of common law and of state and federal laws, particularly relating to administrative and regulatory functions
• 3 years of experience applying extensive knowledge in the field of law with which primarily concerned
• 3 years of experience applying the ability to plan, lay out, and review work relating to complicated legal problems
• 3 years of experience utilizing skills and ability in analyzing, appraising, and organizing facts, evidence, and precedents concerned in difficult and complex cases and in presenting such material in clear and logical form for oral or written presentation
• 3 years of experience applying the ability to exercise sound judgment in appraising and evaluating problems of a procedural nature in a public or business organization

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to pass a background check

2. Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and ability to travel

3. 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.