Chief Litigation Director

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.

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Title: Senior Public Service Administrator Opt. 8L (Chief Litigation Director) - Chicago

Closing Date/Time: 06/28/2024

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $8,486 - $14,668 monthly

Job Type: Salaried

County: Cook

Number of Vacancies: 1

Plan/BU: None

PUC: 90693527

REQ: 37362

A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV), a copy of your transcripts or diploma for all degrees earned, and a copy of any applicable professional licensures to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. Please note that the Department of Children and Family Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) before any offer can be extended. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document in lieu of a Resume or CV.

Position Summary

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Chief Litigation Director. Subject to management approval, this position will provide oversight to professional staff and managers.

The position will assume line authority for the Department's litigation services and will serve as chief policy formulating administrator for agency policy through litigation matters involving DCFS staff, programs, and operations. Additionally, the position will represent the Department before other state agencies and governmental entities, private and public organizations, and other community and professional groups, while also serving as a principal liaison with the Attorney General's Office. This position is a great opportunity for someone with the desire to use their legal skills 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.

Job Responsibilities

1.Serves as Chief Litigation Director for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

2.Reports in a timely manner on all aspects of litigation to the General Counsel and other appropriate parties, including the Director

3.Directs the preparation of regular and special reports dealing with litigation results to evaluate current and proposed DCFS activities

4.With authority to commit the Department to a specific course of action related to efforts pertaining to dispute resolution, represents the Department before other state agencies and governmental entities, private and public organizations, and other community and professional groups

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

Minimum Qualifications

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

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

Preferred Qualifications

1.4 years of experience managing professional legal staff

2.4 years of experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law

3.4 years of experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings

4.4 years of legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and/or memoranda

5.4 years of experience utilizing knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS's administrative hearings

Conditions of Employment

1.Requires the ability to pass a background check.

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

3.Per Executive Order 2018-07, requires engagement with Business Enterprise Program (BEP) contractors and subcontractors and support for the goals of the BEP program and the Fair Contracting Task Force when applicable.

Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Work Location: 60 E Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, 60605

Supervisor: Brian Dougherty

Agency Contact:

Michael Bernardy

Email: michael.bernardy@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Leadership & Management

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:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

Nearest Major Market: Chicago