With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

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 Child Welfare Unit 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.

This is an entry level position. 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.

SALARY - Commensurate with education and experience

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 the court. 

Candidates must be a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. Prior litigation experience is a plus.

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.

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 pchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website at: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations

The successful candidate must reside in the City of Philadelphia or establish primary residence in the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of employment.