Assistant City Solicitor - Child Welfare Unit
Company Description
A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What we offer
- Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
- Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
- Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
- Benefits - We care about your well-being.
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Agency Description
The City of Philadelphia Law Department acts as general counsel for the entire City government structure. We provide legal advice to all City officials, employees, departments, agencies, boards, and commissions concerning any matters related to the exercise of their official powers.
The Law Department's civil practice includes unique issues involving public interest in business, health, safety, commerce, civil rights, taxation, and community development. We employ more than 220 attorneys and 100 professional staff to support seamless operations, reduce legal liability for the City, and challenge threats to quality of life impacting the taxpayers of Philadelphia.
We are an ever-evolving Department where all are empowered to reach their full potential, to collaborate with clients as true partners, and to see their work have a real impact on the city of Philadelphia. We celebrate the diversity of our staff, the City’s workforce, and the residents whom we serve and promote an environment of comradery, accountability, and inclusiveness.
The Law Department's Child Welfare Unit (CWU) represents the City of Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) in all aspects of its work in investigating reports of child abuse and child neglect and providing services to children and families in need. The CWU is a collegial, fast-paced, challenging unit in which attorneys are, with appropriate training and supervision, expected to independently manage their case files from start to finish.
Job Description
Position Summary
Prior litigation experience is a plus. At the time of hire, applicants must be members of the Pennsylvania Bar. The ideal candidate has good academic credentials and strong communication, analytical, and writing skills. Assistants in the CWU will have the opportunity to handle a substantial case load within a short period of their arrival in the CWU and will be charged with court room duties after a one-month training interval. This position is ideal for candidates looking to improve and develop their court room skills while at the same time assisting the City in protecting some of its most vulnerable citizens.
Essential Functions
The duties of an Assistant City Solicitor in the CWU primarily consist of representing DHS in dependency matters in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia – Family Division. These duties include but are not limited to:
- Litigating Dependency Cases in Family Court in Bench Trials;
- Litigating Permanency Hearings for Children adjudicated dependent in Family Court;
- Litigating Termination of Parental Rights/Adoption Cases in Family Court;
- Representing DHS at the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Bureau of Hearings and Appeals in Expungement matters;
- Preparing DHS files for review by parents, counsel, and other parties requesting these files;
- Litigating motions to quash subpoenas for DHS records;
- Drafting pleadings, motions, and briefs; and
- Researching and analyzing complex legal issues.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of 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. Must be able to clearly present and explain their case to arbitrators, mediators, opposing parties, judges, or juries and listen, answer questions, present to large groups and high-level officials and employ diplomacy in challenging situations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work on teams and collaborate with colleagues and clients.
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity in the office that values all individuals and respects difference.
- Excellent research and writing skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to identify and analyze legal issues within complex fact patterns.
- Ability to organize and maintain a relatively high-volume caseload.
- Ability to work independently.
Qualifications
- This is an entry level position but one (1) year plus of relevant experience within a legal setting is preferred.
- Candidates must have a law degree from an ABA accredited law school and must either be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar, or currently eligible to be admitted by reciprocity to practice in Pennsylvania (Pa.B.A.R. 204). Continued employment of attorneys not admitted to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six (6) months of hire is at the discretion of the Law Department.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Salary Range: $81,500 to $91,928
Any questions related to this position should be directed to Karen Fortune, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Child Welfare Unit (karen.fortune@phila.gov).
Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:
- Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
- Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
- 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
- Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!
*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire
Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
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 faqpchr@phila.gov.
For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion