AREA ADMINISTRATOR

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

Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 58540
Opening Date: 09/08/2026
Closing Date: 10/06/2026
​Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015 Skill Option: Special License - Illinois Law License 
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $10,350 - $11,600/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: None
Merit Comp Code: Managerial Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage

A resume is highly encouraged to evaluate your qualifications and skills as part of your application.  Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application if you decide to provide one.

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 bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Special Assistant General Counsel.  DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program.  The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities.  We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois.

• Provides legal advice and counsel to the agency’s central office management and professional staff
• Provides advice and counsel to staff of the Division of Licensing regarding any and all questions on licensing rules, statutes, and procedures
• Provides legal advice and counsel to program staff concerning any and all questions on adoptions, guardianship, permanency goals, and other initiatives
• Provides legal counsel to professional staff concerning any and all questions on adoptions and permanency issues in developing case presentation and interpreting court orders, statutes, and regulations
• Serves as a liaison and provides coordination with the Attorney General’s Office regarding state level appellate cases involving the Department
• Represents the Department in administrative hearings and licensing appeals which involve some adverse decision of actions regarding a DCFS license, such as revocation, placement hold, non-renewal, license denial, etc.
• Reviews drafts and coordinates with staff the finalization of Department Intergovernmental Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

• Requires graduation from an accredited law school and possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law

• 1 year of experience providing legal counsel regarding legislation, administrative rules, and procedures to a governmental entity
• 3 years of professional experience as an attorney conducting legal analysis and legal research
• 1 year of professional experience as an attorney addressing licensing/regulatory violations and enforcement matters
• 1 year of professional experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court or administrative hearings
• 3 years of professional experience as an attorney working in collaboration with various internal and external entities