Deputy General Counsel, Department of Human Services

About the role

The Office of General Counsel of the Illinois Department of Human Services is hiring a Deputy General Counsel in Chicago. The incumbent provides legal advice and counsel to the Division of Family and Community Services and acts as chief technical and legal advisor to the Director, giving comprehensive advice on the legality of all divisional activities, including policy, rules, regulations, procedures, administration, operation and litigation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel to the Division of Family and Community Services and direct complex studies of agency operations affected by changing policy and legal requirements.
• Serve as full-line supervisor and recommend changes in legislation to promote the Division's programs.
• Implement legislation, procedures, rules, regulations and court orders.
• Direct representation of the Agency by the Attorney General's Office and other attorneys in cases filed against or by the Department in Federal and State courts, relating to Public Assistance matters.
• Perform other duties within the scope of the above duties.

Required profile

• Graduation from a recognized school of law.
• Valid license to practice law in Illinois.
• Four years of progressively responsible administrative experience in the practice of law.
• Preferred: four years of experience in public assistance, in responding to subpoenas for documents, in State and Federal litigation, in a law firm environment, in supervising staff and in reviewing proposed legislation.

What we offer

• Anticipated salary of $11,434-$13,166 per month ($137,208-$157,992 per year).
• Pension program and competitive group insurance (health, life, dental, vision).
• 12 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, 10-25 days of vacation and 3 personal business days.
• Flexible work schedules, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and deferred compensation program.
• Pre-tax programs, GI Bill benefits for veterans, bilingual salary differential and commuter savings program (Chicago only).

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The position is full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm, with a 1-hour unpaid lunch, and requires reporting to the headquarters in Chicago as needed. Applications are made online through the State of Illinois career portal.