Child Welfare Attorney

Who We Are:

Since 1946, we’ve been providing compassionate treatment to support the behavioral, physical and emotional health of children and families, where the needs of each child are individually assessed and dynamic treatment plans are specifically designed to properly transition them from disruptive to permanent, stable environments. Our services include community-based services, residential treatment, and treatment foster care programs throughout our locations in central and northeast Ohio and West Virginia.

Working at The Village Network:

• The Village Network prides itself on a Culture of Care: Come be a part of the mission and a member of a team that has a passion for what they do and the people they serve.
• Excellent safety record and training program. The Village Network utilizes Collaborative Problem Solving along with The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics to addresses the individual needs of youth and their families.
• Competitive salaries and great benefits including a 403(b) plan with both a 5% company contribution and 50% match of the first 7% after 1 year of service.
• 272 hours (YES 34 DAYS!) of PTO offered in the first year in addition to 6 paid holidays for fulltime employees with potential for PTO buy back for unused time.
• 11-year history of providing annual bonuses, as well as offering PTO Buybacks.
• Advancement Opportunities: The village network is a growing organization and we aim to promote from within.

Job Title:                                Child Welfare MCE Attorney

Reports To:                            FCCS Support Services Director

Direct Reports:                      TVN MCE Paralegal

Summary:

As a partner in building brighter futures for youth and their families, your role will be to provide direct supervision and other related technical and clinical support activities that align with The Village Network’s Mission, Vision & Values.

Essential Tasks, Duties, and Responsibilities:

• Represents The Village Network (TVN) in all court appearances as assigned in accordance with TVN and FCCS practices and procedures.
• Files court activity updates with FCCS Program Director and VP Care Management at the conclusion of each hearing.
• Regularly updates service teams on activities in all cases.
• Prepares all witnesses prior to contested trials.
• Pursues and/or defends objections and/or appeals brought against/by The Village Network.
• Schedules regular staffings through each unit to review cases and advises the service teams in order to ensure timely and lawful permanency for children in custody.
• Meets with VP Care Management and/or Program Director and program managers to ensure that legal representation is appropriate and timely.
• Prepares materials and regularly trains staff on the administrative codes and/or any amendments made to them, as well as federal mandates impacting the client-agency.
• Assists staff with legal issues on cases by answering legal questions and/or refers to or confers with prosecutor’s office with respect to pre-dispositional cases; represents agency staff in complex, juvenile cases, as assigned.
• Reviews and assists with policy development through the provision of legal analysis and advice through committee assignment.
• Maintains and provides statistical data regarding caseload to be submitted monthly or as otherwise required by department policy.
• Assures the implementation of all contractional obligations outlined in the Provision of Continuum of Child Welfare Services with Franklin County Children Services (FCCS.)
• Represents The Village Network interests to agencies at a local, regional, state, and national level through involvement with committees and task forces. 
• Attends team, department, and Board meetings. 
• Makes budgetary recommendations and fulfills budget expectations. 
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Law degree plus 6 months’ experience as a licensed attorney; must be in good standing of the Ohio Bar Association; 3 years’ experience in child welfare or the practice of juvenile law desired.
• Ability to use a computer; familiarity with Word, Outlook, and Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong teamwork, organizational and time management skills necessary; willingness to be flexible.
• Must be committed to practicing cultural competence by working respectfully and effectively with people of all cultures, classes, races, genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, mental and physical abilities, ages and appearances in a manner that recognizes, affirms and values the worth of individuals, families and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each.
• Valid Ohio Driver’s License and maintains a driving record that allows that individual to be insurable with the insurance company providing The Village Network with vehicle insurance. 

Physical Demands:

• Ability to comply with The Village Network requirements for using restraints including sufficient strength and completion of extensive training.
• Ability to handle bending, stooping, lifting, pushing, reaching, and walking for periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 20 pounds independently.
• Must be able to remain alert to problems, needs or emergencies that might arise on any shift, maintaining a safe environment for the clients.
• Ability to communicate (verbal and written) with all levels or personnel, internal and external to the company.

Check out our website to learn more about The Village Network https://thevillagenetwork.org/ and visit the Careers page to explore additional opportunities and check out our benefits brochure.