The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is accepting applications for three openings: Administrative Law Judge (Springfield), Supervisory Regional Counsel (Rockford), and Senior Regional Counsel (Champaign).

Administrative Law Judge - Springfield position:

Working Title: Administrative Law Judge

Location: 4 W Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois, 62701-1222  

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services 

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $7491/month (Effective 7/1/24); Full Range $7491-$11015/month

Closing Date/Time: 6/30/2024 

Position Summary
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Administrative Law Judge. Under administrative direction, this position will monitor the adjudication of complaints issued under the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services from the date of issuance until completion of an order recommending final disposition thereof to the Director. The position will compose formal written recommendations for the Director’s action and will review tapes and transcripts, documentary evidence, and post hearing briefs in order to prepare recommendations for the Director. The position will prepare recommended orders and decisions and set forth specific findings of fact, conclusions of law, and analysis of the relevant statutes, regulations, and court decisions. This position will guide the appeal through pre-hearing phases and will preside at formal administrative hearings convened throughout the state. This position is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who would like to use their skills as an attorney to ensure appropriate actions are taken through the administrative hearings process. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent legal, analytical, 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.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Requires graduation from a recognized law school
2. Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
3. Requires 2 years of professional experience in the practice of law

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Supervisory Regional Counsel - Rockford position:

Title: Public Service Administrator Option 8L (Supervisory Regional Counsel)

Work Location: 175 Executive Pkwy, Rockford, Illinois, 61107 

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services 

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $7,875 - $9,583 per month 

Closing Date/Time:  6/28/2024 

Position Overview
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Supervisory Regional Counsel.  Under administrative direction, this position will represent the Department at all hearings on calendars in the juvenile courts of assigned counties, including temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, permanency, status, progress, termination of parental rights, and motion hearings.  Additionally, the position will provide technical advice and counsel to Agency personnel conducting all levels of administrative “fair hearings” and serve as the Department’s representative in the “fair hearing” process, while supervising a subordinate attorney or paralegal.  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.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
2. Requires three years of administrative experience in the practice of law

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Senior Regional Counsel - Champaign position:

Title: Public Service Administrator Option 8L (Senior Regional Counsel)

Work Location: 2125 S 1st St Champaign, IL 61820-7474 

Agency: Department of Children and Family Services

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $7,875 - $9,583 Monthly 

Closing Date/Time:  6/28/2024 

Position Overview
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Senior Regional Counsel. Under administrative direction, the position will represent the Department at all hearings on calendars in the juvenile courts of assigned counties, including temporary custody, adjudication, disposition, permanency, status, progress, termination of parental rights, and motion hearings. Additionally, the position will evaluate, prepare, and present evidence on behalf of the Department in court and at administrative hearings and service appeals.  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.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
2. Requires three years of experience in the practice of law

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About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS): Currently celebrating 60 years as the nation's first cabinet-level child welfare agency, DCFS is responsible for protecting children from abuse or neglect by responding to reports received by the Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-2873 (1-800-25-ABUSE) or childabuse.illinois.gov (non-emergency). With the goal of keeping children safe, DCFS strengthens and supports families with a wide range of services. In the event a child must be removed from the home, DCFS makes every effort to reunite them with their family. When the best interest of the child makes this impossible (less than 4% of the time), DCFS is committed to pursuing guardianship and fictive kin as primary options.