The Oregon Department of Human Services is a state government agency supporting the health, safety, and well-being of people across Oregon. Its work spans child welfare, self-sufficiency services, and support for older adults and people with disabilities. The department collaborates with state agencies and community partners to deliver programs that help individuals, families, and communities meet essential needs. Its large public-service workforce contributes to the administration and delivery of social and human services throughout the state.
Assistant Attorney General, Child Advocacy and Protection – Oregon DHS
Represent the Oregon Department of Human Services in juvenile dependency and child protection litigation. Provide legal advice, appear in court, and handle termination of parental rights matters.
Description
- Deliver legal counsel and litigation support to the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program
- Manage juvenile dependency and termination of parental rights cases from initiation through resolution
- Advise ODHS on child safety and pursue improved outcomes for children and families affected by abuse and neglect
- Appear regularly in court for brief hearings and complex trials lasting multiple days
- Develop a juvenile dependency litigation practice as an entry-level attorney
- Work with agency representatives and internal support teams
- Handle a demanding, high-volume litigation caseload
- Travel regularly to courts and client offices, with occasional overnight trips
- Represent the State of Oregon and its agencies in civil and criminal proceedings
Requirements
- Hold active Oregon State Bar membership in good standing, or have reciprocity actively pending
- Have at least one year of practical legal experience within the past seven years in dependency, delinquency, family law, judicial clerking, or criminal litigation
- Pass and maintain eligibility for a Criminal Justice Information Services fingerprint-based background check
- Demonstrate effective oral advocacy skills
- Know the Oregon Rules of Evidence or have successfully completed a law school Evidence course
- Be willing and available to travel, including possible overnight stays
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Be able to transport substantial hearing or trial materials independently to courts and client offices
- Have familiarity with and experience in Oregon juvenile dependency law
- Demonstrate expertise in managing a high-volume workload
- Balance administrative duties, advisory responsibilities, and a fast-paced litigation practice
- Have experience working in a team-supported environment
- Submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample; attorneys currently employed by the Oregon Department of Justice do not need to submit a writing sample
Benefits
- Hybrid remote work arrangement
- Participation in the Public Employee Retirement System, with a 6.95% base salary increase for participating members
- PERS retirement plan requiring a 6% employee contribution
- Equal opportunity and workplace diversity commitment
- Interview and application accommodations available