Assistant/Deputy City Solicitor in Child Welfare Unit - Public Policy

Job Description

This is a non-litigation position that involves providing advice regarding public policy and other initiatives at DHS. At the time of hire, applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has 3-7 years of experience, good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, research and writing skills, and child welfare and/or public policy experience.

The candidate will be:

• Writing, drafting, and editing new policies, procedures, memoranda, and other written materials related to child welfare and juvenile justice.
• Developing policies and procedures as a result of new initiatives.
• Supporting and participating in projects that relate to changes in policy and procedures as well as training sessions on newly developed procedures.
• Conducting legal research and reviewing applicable laws and regulations to inform agency policies.
• Providing legal assistance to DHS by attending meetings, obtaining facts, and reviewing legal issues and documents, in order to assist in resolving legal questions.
• Updating existing procedures to ensure that DHS and its provider agencies are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Synthesizing case law, relevant statutes, and state directives to produce written analysis within quick deadlines.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar, ideally with 3-7 years of relevant experience.
• Prior child welfare and/or public policy experience a plus.

• Knowledge of child welfare-related laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules and process.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.
• Ability to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues, clients, and eternal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns
• Excellent professional research and writing skills, with the ability to conduct research on complicated issues
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines

Additional Information

Position and title will be commensurate with experience.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and reference list with your application.Applications without all required documents will not be considered.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Jonathan Houlon, Chief Deputy City Solicitor of the Child Welfare Unit ([emailprotected]).

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program(and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to[emailprotected]For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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