Chief Counsel

Role Overview:
This position is in charge of the day-to-day legal operations for the legal staff within Region 18. The Region 18 Chief Counsel is the final responsible legal manager in the region, and shares responsibility with the Deputy Chief Counsel(s) for the legal supervision of a team of attorneys and legal assistants. The Chief Counsel duties include: monitoring of timely completion and submission of court orders; providing ongoing training and mentoring for attorneys and legal assistants; reviewing available data for regional output on key metrics; managing caseload assignments for attorneys; conducting court observation; co-chairing or attending contested matters with staff to observe and model appropriate trial skills; and a number of other tasks related to staff supervision. The Chief Counsel is also responsible for developing, and maintaining, positive relationship with courts and other external stakeholders.

A day in the life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Display competency in all areas of litigation conducted at the local office level, including CHINS, TPR, CAPTA administrative appeals, foster care licensing hearings, subsidy matters, and ancillary matters such as guardianship, custody, and adoption.
• Serve as a liaison between Central Office legal management and direct reports.
• Monitor staff caseloads, delegate tasks, and supervise the work of the Deputy Chief Counsel and other direct reports.
• Assist with recruitment; select, onboard, and assist in training of employees to ensure expectations are met and to promote staff development; complete performance management tasks including appraisals and reviews; work with HR and supervision to address staff disciplinary issues as needed.
• Work closely with internal case management partners such as the Regional Manager to build strong legal/case management relationships and work toward mutual permanency goals; communicate with external partners such as Courts, CASA/GAL and public defenders to build relationships and share information which impacts DCS cases such as statutory, appellate or policy changes.
• Advise Department of Child Services staff on various program and legal areas as assigned.
• Identify goals and performance metrics, and monitor metrics identified by the agency to ensure best outcomes for cases on regional caseload.
• Participate in committees, groups, or events such as Continuous Improvement and Lean events.
• Provide input to the Office of the Attorney General regarding regional appeals and appellate briefs.
• Supervise work of contract attorneys if any are assigned within the region.
• Conduct legal trainings for Family Case Managers, attorneys and others as requested; advise and consult with local office attorneys and staff in trial preparation, evidentiary issues, problematic cases and administrative hearings.
• Litigate Child in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights matters at the trial court level as needed; handle administrative matters and hearings before OALP as assigned.
• Generate appropriate pleadings, motions and discovery, and responses as needed.
• Provide or organize coverage for any matters that subordinates are unavailable or unable to handle.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

• Doctorate of Jurisprudence and an active Indiana Bar license in good standing is required for this position.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations related to agency functions and purposes and to assigned program areas.
• Thorough knowledge of Rules of Evidence and Indiana Rules of Court.
• Advanced Knowledge of state's court system and law enforcement agencies.
• Advanced Knowledge of legal resources and procedures.
• Advanced Knowledge of the Rules of Ethics and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
• Ability to communicate articulately for Court proceedings.
• Ability to use tact and empathy when dealing with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while managing crisis situations including those involving aggressive adults being investigated.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role provides supervision for incarcerated individuals and requires a high level of judgment and care.