TPR/CHINS Attorney IV

Full Job Description

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***

The Marion County Public Defender Agency provides legal representation for Marion County citizens who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer in matters involving liberty interests, including criminal cases. Our services are provided as a public service. We work with the felony, misdemeanor, Title IV D, civil commitment, and juvenile courts. We also work on cases related to termination of parental rights as well as appeals. Our agency also offers education, services, and programs focused on different ways to serve jail sentences. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County. 

Job Summary
Position is responsible for providing effective, client-centered representation of indigent parents in Child in Need of Services and Termination of Parental Rights cases filed by the Indiana Department of Child Services in Marion County. Independent Judgment is regularly utilized when there are no available policies and procedures. Independent actions and judgment are exercised in making decisions that are complex in nature and have considerable impact on Public Defender Agency policy. Decisions and actions may be controlled by state and federal laws. The actions and decision-making process allow for considerable latitude in making informed judgments, quick decisions, or decisions without the benefit of consultation. The incumbent is expected to exercise initiative, creativity, and independent problem-solving skills. Position reports to Division Chief.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Requirements

• Appears frequently in court to advocate for parents involved with the child welfare system through CHINS and TPR cases, including pre-trial advocacy, bench trials, and post-adjudication advocacy in CHINS matters.
• Conducts legal and factual review of cases; interviews clients, service providers, and other witnesses; evaluates legal and factual strength of CHINS and TPR cases.
• Advises clients regarding both legal matters and practical considerations in navigating the child welfare system to prevent family separation, to reunify families separated though the child welfare system, and to successfully conclude parents’ involvement with the Department of Child Services.
• Negotiates with Department of Child Services and advocates for parents with service providers and others to achieve parents’ objectives in child welfare matters and to limit the harm to families caused by involvement with the child welfare system.
• Communicates frequently with clients in person, by phone or video conference, and in written communications; keeps clients and families informed regarding case progress and developments.
• Collaborates with social workers on multi-disciplinary strategies to achieve client’s objectives.
• Delegates assignments to paralegals and investigations when appropriate.
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times.
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

Juris Doctorate and license to practice law required. Prior experience in TPR/CHINS work for at least three years and experience having taken a termination of parental rights case through trial as a first- or second-chair attorney. Strong verbal, written, communication and presentation skills are required along with top level interpersonal and facilitation skills. Computer knowledge a must. Must have a valid driver’s license. Additionally, all Division attorneys must comply with all relevant Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys standards, guidelines, and requirements.