Senior Regional Counsel

Overview

Agency:
Department of Children and Family Services

Job

Requisition
Closing Date: 02/18/2026
Class

Title:

PUBLIC SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR - 37015
Skill Option:
Special License - Illinois Law License
Bilingual Option:
None
Salary:
Anticipated Starting Salary $9,167 - $10,500/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category:
Full Time
County:
Sangamon

Number of Vacancies : 3
Bargaining Unit Code:
None
Merit Comp Code:
Managerial Exclusion from RC010 Collective Bargaining Coverage

Position summary and responsibilities are described in the sections below.

• Serves as Senior Regional Counsel
• Interviews Department witnesses
• Evaluates cases involving clients where the Department is involved in court or seeking expunction or indication
• Serves as legal advisor to regional field staff
• Plans, directs, and conducts technical legal screening and provides case consultation to caseworkers and supervisors to help prepare cases for termination of parental rights (TPR), to determine when cases are trial ready for TPR
• Serves as Department liaison to judiciary, State’s Attorney’s Offices, and various court personnel in numerous counties in the region
• Maintains current working knowledge of new legislation, Department rules and policy, and all relevant law
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above

• Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois
• Requires three years of experience in the practice of law

• Prefers experience as an attorney in cases involving child welfare or juvenile law
• Prefers experience as an attorney presenting and arguing legal cases in court and/or administrative hearings
• Prefers experience as an attorney conducting legal analysis
• Prefers substantive legal writing experience as an attorney in the areas of motions, pleadings, briefs, and memoranda
• Prefers professional experience working in a liaison capacity with various internal and external entities
• Prefers thorough knowledge of Illinois statutes and rules that have a substantial impact on Illinois juvenile court proceedings and/or DCFS’s administrative hearings

• Requires the ability to pass a background check
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license
• Revolving door restrictions apply to non-State employment offers during or within one year after State employment; notify OEIG prior to accepting non-State employment offers if applicable
• Requires filing of a Statement of Economic Interest as applicable under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.)
• Other conditions of employment listed are related to the duties 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. The Office of Legal Services works in a supportive capacity to ensure Departmental adherence to all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and court orders.

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes:

• Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

Work Hours:

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Work Location:

4 W Old State Capitol Plz, Springfield, Illinois,

Agency Contact:
Michael Bernardy (Michael.

Bernardy) for questions only

Posting Group:
Legal, Audit & Compliance