Assistant State's Attorney- Child Protection Division

Cook County State's Attorney's Office

<p><b>Job Title: </b>Assistant State’s Attorney, Child Protection Division<b> </b></p> <p><b>Reports to</b>: The Supervisor of the Child Protection Division</p> <p><b>Location</b><b>: </b>1100 S. Hamilton Avenue, 6th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60612 </p> <p><b>Bureau</b><b>: </b>Juvenile Justice Bureau<b> </b></p> <p><b>Division/Unit</b><b>: </b>Child Protection<b> </b></p> <p><b>Application deadline: </b><b>5/12/2024</b></p> <p></p> <p><b>General Description: </b>The primary responsibility of an Assistant State’s Attorney assigned to the Child Protection Division is the management of a daily court call and the handling of all aspects of a caseload of child protection matters. That prosecution includes, but is not limited to, the following:</p> <p><b>Duties/Responsibilities: </b></p> <ul> <li>Review DCFS and social service agency documentation, medical, psychiatric, school and law enforcement records having to do with child abuse and neglect petitions, interview and prepare witnesses and work up child protection cases for trials and corollary hearings.</li> <li>Regular daily litigation including motion practice, adjudication and termination of parental rights trials and permanency hearings in all phases of child protection proceedings.</li> <li>Interact regularly in and outside of court with victims, DCFS investigators, social workers, foster care caseworkers, judges, law enforcement, family members, foster parents, social service agency providers and clinicians, community representatives, medical professionals and mental health professionals regarding cases in the Child Protection Division to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.</li> <li>This is a full-time bargaining unit exempt position.</li> </ul> <p><b>Minimum Qualifications:</b></p> <ul> <li>Prior litigation (clerkship/internship experience will be considered) including trial work and legal writing and/or work in the child welfare social work field;</li> <li>A strong interest in child protection and or family law and</li> <li>An understanding of, and a commitment to, family reunification principles.</li> </ul> <p><b>Preferred Qualifications:</b></p> <ul> <li>Prior child protection trial experience is a plus but not required.</li> </ul> <p><b>Working Environment</b>: Each Child Protection Division ASA is responsible for the daily operations of a child protection court call. Each Child Protection Division ASA will collaborate with his or her Child Protection Supervisor, Child Protection Division Chief, Juvenile Justice Bureau Chief, fellow Child Protection Division ASAs, DCFS personnel, juvenile courthouse partners, and community service providers regularly. Each Child Protection Division ASA shall report directly to the Child Protection Supervisor.</p> <p><b>The Child Protection Division Assistant State’s Attorney shall be an effective advocate and emissary of the mission, vision, and values of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.</b></p> <p><b>Physical Requirements:</b><b> </b></p> <p>Light Work: The position requires the ability to stand or walk frequently, often for extended periods. You may need to lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 20 pounds regularly, and occasionally heavier items. The job may also involve a significant amount of walking or standing relative to sedentary roles.</p> <p><b>Equal Employment Opportunity</b></p> <p>At the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), we champion diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusivity! We are passionately committed to building a team that represents a wealth of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Our strength lies in our diversity, and we actively seek, develop, and cherish talent from all walks of life.</p> <p>We're proud to say that we stand firmly against discrimination of any kind—whether it's based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. At CCSAO, everyone is welcome.</p> <p>And, we're not just about saying it—we're about living it! If you’re a qualified individual who requires reasonable accommodation based on religion, disability, or pregnancy, please let us know. At CCSAO, we’re all about empowering our team to shine.</p> <p><b>Reasonable Accommodation</b></p> <p>Applicants that are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran may contact the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office coordinators via email at hr.sao@cookcountyil.gov and arrange for an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.</p> <p><b>Benefits</b></p> <p>At Cook County, we believe in investing in you, our valued employee. We understand that your well-being directly impacts the quality of service we provide to our community. That's why we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial stability, and work-life balance. Here's a snapshot of what we offer:</p> <p>Choose from a variety of medical, dental, and vision plans to best suit your lifestyle and needs. We provide a robust Paid Time Off (PTO) program, including vacation, personal, and sick leave, as well as 13 paid holidays. As a public service employer, our employees may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Our Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and referral services to help you navigate life's challenges. And of course, a pension plan through Cook County.</p> <p>Follow this link to the Cook County Benefits and this link to Cook County Pension Fund if you want to learn more about our amazing benefit coverage. The CCSAO does not provide relocation assistance.</p> <p><b>Covid </b></p> <p>Recent developments have allowed for the lifting of general orders related to COVID-19, however, all applicants if hired will need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit request for reasonable accommodation prior to the start of. Selected candidates may make a request for accommodation during the Pre-Boarding meeting, or at any time during the on-boarding process.</p> <p></p>
Posted
Practice Areas
Litigation
Specialties
Family Law, Criminal
Experience
1+ year
Type
Law Firm