The Department of Social Services, Division of Legal Services has an opening for a Special Counsel for the Family Support Division (FSD). The primary duties of this position include providing legal advice and representation to FSD in the administration of Missouri’s Child Support Program. The duties will include: providing legal advice and representation to FSD and Department staff on all matters relating to the child support program; providing and writing legal opinion for the Department; serving as the liaison with the Attorney General’s office on litigation involving child support; assisting AGO with litigation filed against the director or the division; assisting FSD’s staff in preparing for administrative hearings; representing FSD in administrative hearings in child support matters; drafting policy and administrative regulations; reviewing decisions, drafting and filing motions for reconsideration or correction with the administrative hearings unit; reviewing and responding to legal actions received by or served upon FSD; drafting and reviewing contracts; drafting proposed legislation, fiscal notes and bill reviews; reviewing federal and state laws and regulations for impact to the child support program; providing training to FSD personnel on legal issues involving the administration of FSD’s programs, judicial civil and criminal process, family law and general civil law; assisting with Sunshine law request, providing support to FSD’s prosecuting attorney liaison and county prosecutors handling child support cases, including fielding legal questions and presenting CLEs; handling all subpoenas served on FSD; and providing legal advice and assistance to FSD on child support cases. This position is unclassified, exempt from State Merit System provisions.
Why you’ll love this position: Do you want to be an attorney who can make a difference? As FSD-Special Counsel, you will be a zealous advocate in child protection cases. Join DLS in our mission to empower Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives.
All you need for success: The candidate must be a member in good standing of the Missouri Bar. In addition to having excellent research and writing skills, preference will be given to lawyers who have at least three years of experience practicing in the area of child support, family law, public benefits law, poverty law, administrative law, Health Care law, creditor’s rights and/or administrative law.
Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional or occupational license which is only available to holders of specific post-secondary degrees.
Annual Starting Salary Range: $75,181.69-$89,924.64 (depending on work experience.)
If you have questions about this position please contact Teri Armistead at teri.armistead@dss.mo.gov
If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov .
More reasons to love this position: The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .
Recruitment Area: All qualified applicants.
The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.