Labor and Employment Litigation Counsel

Location: 

Chicago, IL, US, 60605

Job Requisition ID:  38375

Agency:  Department of Children and Family Services 

Title: Public Service Administrator Option 8L (Labor and Employment Litigation Counsel)
Closing Date/Time:  07/19/2024 

Supervisor: Brian Dougherty

Agency Contact:  

Michael Bernardy

Michael.Bernardy@illinois.gov (for questions only)

Salary:  Anticipated Starting Salary $7,875 - $9,583 per month 
Job Type:  Salaried 
County:  Cook 
Number of Vacancies:  1 
Plan/BU:  None 

****************A RESUME IS REQUIRED FOR THIS JOB POSTING****************

Please attach a DETAILED Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the MY DOCUMENTS section of your application. You WILL NOT be considered for the position if you attach a CMS100, CMS100b or any other document that is not a Resume or CV.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results-oriented individual to serve as Labor and Employment Litigation Counsel. Under administrative direction, this position will provide legal representation to the Department in discrimination complaints filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The position will review complaints and draft responses, while representing the Department before the administrative agency investigating the discrimination charge. The position will serve as secondary contact regarding Freedom of Information requests, with a primary focus on labor, personnel, and discrimination requests. The position will also represent the Department in the mental health division of the circuit court regarding placement of youth.  This position provides a wonderful opportunity for anyone who would like to use his/her skills as an attorney to benefit DCFS operations. 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 Labor and Employment Litigation Counsel for the Department of Children and Family Services

2. Serves as secondary Office of Legal Services contact regarding Freedom of Information Act requests with a primary focus on labor, personnel, and discrimination requests

3. Represents the Department in the mental health division of the circuit court regarding placement of youth

4. Conducts extensive, complex legal research on legal issues related to all Office of Legal Services functions, Juvenile State and Federal Law, and DCFS Policy and Procedures

5. Performs legal review and analysis of existing and proposed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws

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

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires graduation from a recognized school of law and possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois

2. Requires three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefers two years of professional experience in employment and labor law as an attorney working with state and federal laws

2. Prefers three years of professional experience presenting complex legal analysis to attorneys and non-legal staff, both orally and in writing

3. Prefers three years of professional experience as an attorney conducting legal analysis

4. Prefers three years of substantive writing experience in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and memos

5. Prefers a minimum of one year of professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires the ability to pass a background check.

2. Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties.

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. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders. 

Work Hours:  Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM 
Work Location: 60 E Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois, 60605 
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance