ASSOCIATE GENERAL COUNSEL FOR CONSENT DECREE COMPLIANCE & REFORM

at Department of Children and Family Services in Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Position Summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Associate General Counsel for Consent Decree Compliance and Reform. Subject to management approval, this position will provide legal advice and counsel regarding the administration and implementation of various consent decrees pertaining to the Department of Children and Family Services. The position will provide high level oversight and monitoring of consent decree implementation to ensure compliance with all requirements. As principal policy-formulating administrator, the position will formulate and implement policies and procedures for areas of oversight, while directing and providing oversight of attorneys engaged in providing legal guidance and counsel to the Director, General Counsel, and other appropriate parties regarding all aspects of compliance with consent decrees and all aspects of litigation. This position is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to use his or her skills as an attorney to benefit child welfare services and the Department’s adherence to court directed consent decrees. 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.

1. Serves as Associate General Counsel for Consent Decree Compliance and Reform

2. Collaborates with stakeholders across the state, both within and outside of the Department

3. Identifies potential areas of compliance risks and anticipates legal changes

4. Provides testimony before the General Assembly to present the Department’s viewpoint and legal opinion regarding current and proposed legislation and ramifications on the Department, particularly with regard to proposals that potentially impact existing consent decrees and the Department’s compliance

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

1. Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois

2. Requires four years of experience in the practice of law

1. Prefers 3 years of experience as an attorney providing legal guidance for regulatory and/or consent decree compliance for public or private organization.

2. Prefers 3 years of experience as an attorney in the practice areas of human services, child law, child welfare, or child protection.

3. Prefers 3 years of experience as an attorney resolving legal disputes through negotiation and settlement

4. Prefers 3 years of experience as an attorney providing legal counsel regarding the development of organization policies and procedures.

5. Prefers 3 years of professional experience as an attorney coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams.

1. Requires ability to pass a background check.

2. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties.  Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.

3. 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.