Senior Regional Counsel

Overview

Job Requisition : 52674

Closing Date: 02/18/2026

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 $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

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.

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.

• 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

DCFS is committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. The Office of Legal Services ensures 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:

• A 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…