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State of Michigan

Departmental Specialist 14 - Legal Affairs - Child Welfare Legal Specialist

State of Michigan See More Job Openings by This EmployerArrow
  • Full Time
  • $2,740 - $4,086.40
  • Lansing, MI
October 28, 2024

Job Description

Job Description

The MDHHS mission is to provide opportunities, services, and programs that promote a healthy, safe, and stable environment for residents to be self-sufficient. We are committed to ensuring a diverse workforce and a work environment whereby all employees are treated with dignity, respect and fairness. For more information, please visit our MDHHS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan.

This position is located within the Bureau of Legal Affairs, Children’s Services Legal Division (CSLD) and is the statewide legal specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) primarily in the areas of child welfare related subpoenas and production of records, the intersection of child welfare and children’s behavioral health, family preservation and protection, and juvenile justice reform. The primary MDHHS clients served by this position are the Department’s Children’s Services Agency. 

This position requires a proficiency of law and policy regarding child welfare in the areas of child protective services, including family preservation and protection, juvenile justice, and child welfare subpoenas and record requests, as well as the application of independent judgment and discretion. Specifically, this position is responsible for performing legal research and analysis relative to a broad and complex variety of issues, questions, and concerns affecting MDHHS, child protective services as it relates to children’s behavioral health, child welfare subpoenas and production of records, family preservation and protection, and juvenile justice reform. The position requires providing guidance to Children’s Services Agency Central Office executive and child welfare program staff, business service center staff, local MDHHS office staff, and CSLD management/staff regarding applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, administrative rules, case law, and policy. Additionally, this position works with the Michigan Office of Attorney General (AG) in coordinating necessary legal representation and litigation. This position also functions as a liaison with the AG’s office regarding departmental position, policy, and strategy in administrative hearings and court proceedings (i.e., litigation).

This position is responsible for reviewing child welfare proceedings and juvenile justice court orders, subpoenas, and notices for legal sufficiency, appropriateness, and compliance. This position, along with any necessary supervisory direction, determines the appropriate MDHHS response to improper, inappropriate, or otherwise objectionable court orders, opinions, or notices.

Position Description
Job Specification

To be considered for this position you must:
  • apply for this position online via NEOGOV; click on "Apply" in the job posting for instructions on submitting your electronic application. Hard copy applications are not accepted.
  • meet the Selective Position Requirement (SPR): Possession of Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.  Position also requires the individual be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.
  • relevant experience and/or education referred to in supplemental questions must be documented in resume, transcript and/or application to allow for accurate screening.
  • attach a resume identifying specific experience and dates of employment. Dates of employment should include month and year and hours per week.
  • attach a cover letter.
  • if applicable, attach a copy of an official transcript(s).  We accept scanned copies of official transcripts.  We do not accept web-based, internet, or copies of unofficial transcripts.  Official transcripts provide the name of the institution, confirmation that a degree was awarded and on what date, and the registrar's signature.
Failure to complete any of the above items may result in your application not being considered.  See instructions for attaching files here:  Instructions

Required Education and Experience

Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.
 

Experience
Four years of professional experience, including two years equivalent to the experienced (P11) level or one year equivalent to the advanced (12) level.

In addition to the minimum education and experience requirements, all applicants must meet the following Selective Position Requirement (SPR): Possession of Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school.  Position also requires the individual be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.

Additional Requirements and Information

Your application for any position does not guarantee you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration.  Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results. 

This position will work remotely. Occasional travel to the office located at 235 S Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933 may be required. Selected candidates who have been approved to work remotely must complete that work within Michigan. Candidates should confirm work location and schedule at the time of interview.  



    

Employees will be provided computers to perform state work. Phones may also be provided for necessary communications. If working remotely, employees will be responsible for providing other components of a remote office at their own expense, including:
  • A secure work location that allows privacy and prevents distractions.
  • A high-speed internet connection of at least 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.
  • Suitable lighting, furniture, and utilities.
As a Condition of Employment: this position requires successful completion of a background investigation and a criminal records check. 

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) software of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the selection process; including, but not limited to, responses to application questions, and responses to interview questions or exercises. 

If you previously held status in this classification and departed within the last three (3) years, please contact Human Resources regarding your interest in a potential reinstatement.  Reinstatement is not guaranteed or required. 

The Department of Health & Human Services reserves the right to close this posting prior to its original end date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
 

For information about this specific position, please email MDHHSVacancies@michigan.gov. Please reference the job posting number in subject line.
 
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MDHHS is proud to be a Michigan Veteran’s Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran-Friendly Employer

Salary
  • $2,740 - $4,086.40


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