The Vermont Attorney General’s Office (AGO) seeks a highly motivated attorney to join its management team as a Director of its Family Services Unit serving the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF). This position offers the opportunity to serve the public in a fast-paced, dynamic practice that is focused on protecting vulnerable children. The job requires at least 7 years of relevant legal experience.

The position is responsible for the supervision and management of six (6) assistant attorneys general and one (1) paralegal staff representing the State of Vermont / DCF – FSD and its officials and employees in Vermont state trial courts, as well as contested administrative hearings.

Subject matters commonly dealt with include Vermont child protection laws (Termination of Parental Rights, Child in Need of Supervision), Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children; Indian Child Welfare Act, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, Vermont Child Abuse Registry law, and the Vermont Public Records Act.

The Director is responsible for the operation of the Unit in a manner that adheres to professional legal standards and objectives. The Director’s administrative responsibilities include the following:

• Personnel management for the Unit (including supervision of assistant attorneys general and paralegal assigned to the Unit, participating in recruitment and hiring of Unit staff, completion of performance evaluations, and setting and monitoring performance goals for each staff member);
• Oversight of Unit operations, including assignment of all cases, monitoring Unit priorities, case progress, and supervising all staff;
• Representation of the Unit in dealings with other Agencies and Departments;
• Review and statutory approval of DCF contracts and grants;
• Staff training; and
• Outreach training.

Preference will be given to applicants with litigation experience, especially in Vermont courts. The candidate must be willing to travel and work independently but within the structure of a government legal team. Working knowledge of the Microsoft suite and the ability to gain knowledge of applicable state and federal law and departmental regulations and policies are a must. Candidates must be a member in good standing of the Vermont bar, or be eligible to waive in, with excellent oral and written communication skills.

This assistant attorney general position is a full-time, exempt position. Salary and benefits will be based upon qualifications and experience in accordance with the State of Vermont Attorney Pay Plan. The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  For a full copy of the EOE policy, please see: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/sites/humanresources/files/documents/Labor_Relations_Policy_EEO/Policy_Procedure_Manual/Number_3.0_EQUAL_EMPLOYMENT_OPPORTUNITY_AFFIRMATIVE_ACTION.pdf

This position will remain open until filled. Please respond by sending your statement of interest, resume, and a writing sample to Assistant Attorney General Edward Kenney, AHS Division Chief, HC 2 North, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, Vermont 05671-2080 or ted.kenney@vermont.gov.

Last modified: June 14, 2021