State of New Hampshire · 2 days ago
DCYF STAFF ATTORNEY
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking a Staff Attorney for the Division for Children, Youth, & Families. This role involves serving as onsite legal counsel, representing the Division in various legal forums, and developing legal strategies related to child protection.
Customer ServiceGovernmentService Industry
Responsibilities
Litigates on behalf of DCYF in child abuse/neglect cases, termination of parental rights proceedings, guardianship cases and administrative appeals
Represents DCYF in court, in pre-hearings and in administrative hearings including matters before the DHHS Administrative Appeals Unit, and other legal venues including in the superior court for criminal cases and circuit court for juvenile, marital, guardianship or other matters when DCYF is involved with a family or child
Assists DCYF Child Protective Service Workers (CPSWs) in the preparation of their cases for litigation in court and other proceedings
Confers with DHHS staff, outside attorneys, law enforcement, court personnel and judges in matters concerning DCYF court cases, pleadings, and motions and reviews record requests
Provides ongoing consultation and training to ensure that DCYF CPSWs adhere to best legal practice
Acts as liaison between DCYF staff and Court personnel to ensure timely and effective communication
Advises DCYF Supervisors and CPSWs regarding the interpretation and applicability of state and federal law, rules, regulations, DCYF policy and court procedure. Advises DCYF on implementation of agency policy and procedures
Plans legal strategies and procedures in accordance with federal and state statutory and regulatory mandates
Keeps the Regional/Supervising Attorney, Supervising Staff Attorney in the office (in offices with three or more attorneys), and DCYF staff informed of litigation activity and associated administrative matters. Provides legal opinions on matters of child protection statute and related statutes
Qualification
Required
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school
Four years' experience in the active practice of law
Must be a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association and in Good Standing
Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules
Knowledge of common, statutory and constitutional laws of the state of New Hampshire
Knowledge of court and legal procedures
Knowledge of state and federal laws relating to Child Protection
Demonstrated ability to prepare legal pleadings, briefs and memoranda
Ability to perform legal research
Ability to render effective decisions
Ability to deal tactfully with the courts, law enforcement, DCYF staff and management as well as the public
Benefits
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits
Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay
Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
$50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Company
State of New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a small New England state and is defined by its quaint towns and large expanses of wilderness.