Utah Office of the Attorney General - Child Protection Attorney - Vernal

Attorney – Child Protection

The Utah Office of the Attorney General, Child Protection Division, has an immediate opening for an attorney to represent the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) by petitioning the Eighth District Juvenile Court to exercise protective jurisdiction over suspected child victims of abuse, neglect and dependency. This position is located in Vernal, Utah.  

Applicants must be able to manage a high volume of very active cases, moving at a fast pace with much at stake in terms of impact to children and families. Incumbent is also responsible to approve warrants to search for and remove children from parents’ custody; screen cases with Child Protective Services and law enforcement; perform legal research; prepare summonses, petitions, subpoenas, discovery responses, motions, memoranda, orders and other legal documents; and consult with DCFS representatives. They will represent DCFS at multi-disciplinary-team meetings, family-team meetings and mediation as well as at administrative hearings and defend appeals from administrative hearings. The successful candidate will prosecute abuse, neglect and dependency matters at shelter, pre-trial, adjudication, disposition, review, permanency, and other hearings; and will prosecute petitions to terminate parental rights and appear at associated hearings. 

At least three years legal experience is required, with preference being given to applicants with prosecution or other trial experience. Applicants must possess excellent written and oral advocacy skills and have the experience and ability to immediately take over an existing caseload. Membership in the Utah State Bar in good standing is required.

For more information and to apply for the position, go to the Utah state jobs website at www.statejobs.utah.gov, recruitment number 21905. A resume and writing sample must be uploaded to your profile as part of the application.  The deadline for applying is Sunday, December 1, at 11:59 p.m. No phone calls please. The Attorney General’s Office is an equal opportunity employer. Security background checks are completed as a condition of employment.