Adoption Legal Service Project Contested Termination of Parental Rights Attorney

Add Your Voice - Work For Us

We use our voice, and empower you to use yours, to create positive, lasting change in people’s lives. We use our voice because we believe every person should belong and be empowered to thrive.

Who We Are

Our agency began in 1999 by pioneering a model that is nationally recognized. We believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing permanent home - with a caring and supportive family that makes it possible to grow and thrive.

A pioneer in new approaches to achieving permanency for children in foster care, we employ specialized knowledge and a continuum of services to help agencies expedite adoptions and keep families together.

To learn more, please visit https://vocetogether.org/expertise/adoption-permanency.html

Additionally, with our partner Diakon, we co-administer the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) program for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

To learn more about LSI, SWAN or Diakon, please visit www.diakon-swan.org

Adoption Legal Service Project - Contested Termination of Parental Rights Attorney

Voce is seeking a full-time Contested Termination of Parental Rights Attorney to support the Adoption Legal Service Project. Founded in 1996, Adoption Legal Service Project (ALSP) was formed to address delays regarding children in the foster care system in Allegheny County by achieving permanency through adoption. Partnering with the law firm of Reed Smith, ALSP represents Allegheny County OCYF in many Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceedings, works with the Adoptive Families to draft and file all necessary filings in order to finalize the Adoptions. ; In addition, ALSP has a pro bono mediation program for Post Adoption Contact Agreements with adoptive families, and interested birth relatives pursuant to Act 101 of 2010. ;

The ALSP Contested TPR Attorney addresses delays regarding children in the foster care system in Allegheny County and achieving permanency through adoption. This includes preparing witnesses, testimonies, and evidence for trial and writing persuasive appellate briefs and appearing before superior and supreme court as required.

What You Will Contribute

• Litigates the Contested TPR’s to conclusion and coordinates pre-trial motions, stipulations, and discovery obligations consistent with the rules of evidence. ;
• Collaborates with Children, Youth and Families (CYF) caseworkers on scheduling contested cases, facilitating discovery documents and evidence, interactional evaluations and corresponds with counsel and parties on case. ;
• Educates and advises key witnesses for hearings, including meeting with CYF caseworkers and other key witnesses, both expert and lay, to prepare testimony.
• Attempts to resolve cases in an efficient manner, by working with opposing counsel on stipulations and admission of material evidence to avoid continuances or delays.
• Provides and tracks court orders, appeal periods, and expiration dates with necessary parties when termination cases are complete.
• Other duties as assigned.

What It Takes To Succeed

• Juris Doctorate Degree and active Pennsylvania Attorney's License in good standing (not currently subject to any form of Disciplinary Action or Probation) is required.
• Three years of experience as an attorney in child welfare law and practice required.
• Three years of litigation experience required.
• Ability to travel, attend and participate in various meetings throughout the state is required. ;
• A valid driver’s license. ;

Why Voce - We Invest In You

We offer a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Health insurance with medical spending accounts (employer contribution to the HSA if electing HDHP)
• Dental, vision, long term disability and accident insurance
• Three employer-paid benefits: short term disability insurance, life insurance and Employee Assistance Program
• Employer contribution equivalent to 6% of your salary to your 401(k)
• 10 paid holidays (including one floating holiday)
• 18 days of PTO in first year of employment
• Qualified employer participating in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Please submit your cover letter and resume to be considered.

EOE

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