DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY

Address:  3003 N CENTRAL AVENUE, PHOENIX, AZ 85012

Salary: $110,000 - $125,000 

Grade: 03

Closing Date: This job announcement will remain open until a candidate has been selected.

The DCS General Counsel reports to the DCS Director and provides legal advice on a wide variety of operational matters. This position also serves as the department's liaison on legal issues with the Office of the Arizona Attorney General and outside counsel regarding high profile litigation.

• Researches, analyses and provides legal advice to the Director and executive leadership on operational matters.
  
• Serves as the liaison with the Attorney General's Office on cases involving the Department, communicating the Department's position on legal issues and decisions. Assists in coordination of litigation efforts regarding high profile lawsuits against the Department and its employees.
  
• Identifies significant litigation and major legal issues affecting the Department and proposes recommended courses of action.
  
• Analyses existing federal and state laws to determine impact on the agency and makes recommendations for changes in State laws. Monitors all proposed legislation impacting DCS, updates management of status, communicates any changes to DCS staff and coordinates implementation of legislation.
  
• Assists in the drafting of Department Orders and Director's Instruction, course outlines and training materials.
  
• Reads and interprets Statute, case law, rules and regulations and assess applications of policies and procedures to identify and resolve legal issues impacting employment practices.
  

KNOWLEDGE OF:
- State and Federal laws, rules and regulations governing the Department's operations, including but not limited to employment, contract administration, criminal and family law, Indian Child Welfare Act
- All phases of administrative proceedings and the litigation process
- State and Federal administrative hearings and proceedings
- Familiarity with the Legislature, Judicial and Executive branches of Arizona State Government
- Department objectives, policies and procedures
- Organization and operations of the Office of the Attorney General
- Organization and operation of the Risk Management Division of the Department of Administration

SKILL IN:
- Communication, written and verbal
- Legal research and analysis
- Problem solving; and public speaking of complex issues to the legislature or other audiences
- Organization and interpersonal relations management and leadership skills
- Negotiation and problem solving
- Excellent judgement when dealing with elected officials, government officials, and representatives of the media and stakeholders on sensitive issues

ABILITY TO:
- Plan and direct activities of the General Counsel staff
- Perform effective legal research and analysis of difficult and complex legal problems and apply legal principles and precedents to a particular set of facts
- Write clear and precise letters, reports and opinions, and present oral statements of facts, law and arguments clearly and logically
- Analyze and apply legal principles
- Communicate effectively oral and written
- Manage complex projects and solve
complex problems under pressure, display sound judgement

At a minimum ten (10) years of experience in the practice of law.

Requires possession of and ability to maintain a current, valid license to practice law in the State of Arizona. Must be an active member in good standing with the Arizona Bar Association.

In-state and out-of-state (list out-of-state if applicable) travel is required. Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.). Employees may be required to use their own transportation as well as maintaining valid motor vehicle insurance and current Arizona vehicle registration; however, mileage may be reimbursed.

As an employee of the Department of Child Safety you will be entitled to a comprehensive benefits package that can become effective as soon as two weeks after starting!

Benefits include:
- Paid sick leave.
- Paid vacation that includes ten (10) holidays per year.
- Competitive health and dental insurance plans.
- Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

We also offer optional employee benefits that include:
- Vision coverage.
- Short-term disability insurance.
- Deferred compensation plans.
- Supplemental life insurance.
- Employee wellness plans

For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 602-255-2903. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation. Arizona State Government is an AA/EOE/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.