Description:

Job Description:
Does a Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. job with EXCELLENT WORK-LIFE BALANCE appeal to you? If you're interested in ensuring the safety of Nebraska's vulnerable citizens through providing legal guidance regarding child welfare policy while still maintaining a small juvenile court caseload, apply today!

This position will provide legal support to the Division of Children and Family Services as a policy attorney and as a courtroom attorney for the Northern Service Area. The attorney in this position will provide legal guidance to the Children and Family Services administration on a variety of child welfare topics, including representing DHHS in administrative appeals and assisting with drafting regulations. The attorney in this position will also provide legal support to DHHS case managers and will appear as a special assistant attorney general representing DHHS in juvenile court proceedings. This position will also provide litigation support to the agency and Attorney General's Office, as needed, and may include the handling of appeals filed with the Nebraska appellate courts on behalf of the agency. Additional duties of this courtroom attorney may include conducting privilege reviews for compliance with public records requests and discovery requests, as needed.

Location: Nebraska State Office Building (Lincoln) but may travel to other counties as needed.

Hiring Rate of Position: Negotiable; commensurate with education and/or experience, if approved.

Here's how we reward our employees:
  • State-matched retirement contribution of 156%!
  • 13 paid holidays
  • Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
  • A culture that embraces work-life balance
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
  • Dental and vision insurance plans
  • Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
  • Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
  • Training and development based on your career aspirations
  • Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Fun, inviting teammates
  • No billable hour requirements!

Requirements / Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
  • In accordance with Section 7-101, Nebraska Revised, incumbents in this class must be admitted to the Nebraska Bar. We will consider candidates who will graduate with the minimum qualifications by May of 2024 that are taking the July 2024 bar exam that will be sworn in September 2024. We will also consider candidates admitted to the bar in another jurisdiction eligible to be admitted to the Nebraska Bar by Motion contingent upon them becoming admitted to the Nebraska Bar. Applicants in the following classes must meet the following minimum qualifications at the time of hire:
  • Attorney I
    • Requires graduation from an accredited law school and admission to the Nebraska bar.
    • Rate of pay $24.385-$35.947 per hour, commensurate with experience.
  • Attorney II
    • Requires graduation from an accredited law school, admission to the Nebraska bar, and at least one year of experience as an attorney practicing law.
    • Rate of pay $28.184-$41.547 per hour, commensurate with experience.
  • Attorney III
    • Requires graduation from an accredited law school, admission to the Nebraska bar, and at least three years of experience as an attorney practicing law.
    • Rate of pay $34.50-$51.747 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Prior work experience in the field of child welfare and juvenile law.

Knowledge, skills and abilities: Provide legal support to the areas within public health; interpret and apply statutes, case law, decision of court/administrative hearings, federal and state regulations, and administrative rules and policies on a variety of legal issues; effectively communicate and interact with legal associates, other governmental employees, and the public; formulate legal opinions and recommendations based on legal research, identify critical elements of legal questions or issues; and use of a computer for word processing, research, meetings and communication, and case information/filing.