THIS IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR POSTING AND IS NOT AN ALLEN COUNTY GOVERNMENT OR ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE EMPLOYEE
The CHINS Children in Need of Services Public Defender represents indigent parents in the Allen County Superior Court Family Division in CHINS Cases as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the Indiana Constitution, and Indiana state law. This position is a contract position.
Hours vary, 37.5 hours per week.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Works directly with client and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence, phone calls, and in-person meetings while upholding ethical duties of loyalty and confidentiality.
Represents defendant by attending Facilitation and advising client of the benefits, possible outcomes, and results of admission or stipulation versus a Fact-Finding trial.
Negotiates and works with opposing counsel, Guardian ad Litem service providers, and court personnel to work towards successful resolution of the CHINS case.
Presents at court on dates when cases are assigned, representing the client while maintaining concern for the best interest of the child and overall permanency.
Attends family team meetings and service provider meetings to represent the best interest of the client.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law
Valid Indiana license to practice law
Completed the six hours of training in CHINS Children in Need of Services PPR practice in a course approved by the Public Defender Commission
At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience as an attorney in litigation, motion practice, and defense in civil cases, and/or other public defender experience with knowledge of trial procedure and local rules
Have litigated at least one TPR Termination of Parental Rights to completion as lead or co-counsel, and/or have more than one year of experience in TPR litigation
Knowledge and familiarity with local rules and court procedures related to CHINS Children in Need of Services cases
Thorough understanding of the underlying law in Title 31, specifically those sections dealing with CHINS Children in Need of Services, and primarily found in I.C. 31-34-1-1 et seq.
Understanding of the unique quality of CHINS law
Excellent written and communication skills
Ability to handle multiple priorities and a large volume of work
LICENSING
Valid Indiana license to practice law
Completed the six hours of training in CHINS Children in Need of Services
TPR Termination of Parental Rights practice in a course approved by the Public Defender Commission
PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION ACCURATELY AND THOROUGHLY. A RESUME IS OPTIONAL. REMEMBER TO SAVE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. IF APPLYING FOR MULTIPLE POSITIONS, SUBMIT A SEPARATE APPLICATION FOR EACH ONE. YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION ONCE YOUR APPLICATION IS RECEIVED. DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS, FURTHER COMMUNICATION WILL ONLY OCCUR IF YOU ARE SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer EEO. Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability, or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law.