Negotiating Attorney
BCforward is currently seeking highly motivated Negotiating Attorney for an opportunity in Indianapolis, IN 46204
Position Title: Negotiating Attorney (Remote Job)
Location: Indianapolis, IN 46204
Expected Duration: 6 Months Contract
Job Description
Duties:
The selected candidate will negotiate the appropriate adoption subsidy to be paid adoptive parents under a Department of Child Services (DCS) Adoption or Guardianship Assistance agreement, in compliance with 42 USC 673 et seq., Ind. Code 31-19-26.5, Administrative Rule, and DCS Policy. The candidate's duties are as follows: obtain basic understanding of federal and state regulations and policy pertaining to adoption subsidies; ensure adoptive parents/attorneys use appropriate Payment Request Information form provided by the DCS Central Eligibility Unit (CEU) specifically for their case; review the completed PRI and supporting documents submitted by the adoptive parents and by the state; request documentation of expenses and special needs of the child, if not included with the PRI and supporting documentation; identify all income and expenses of the adoptive parents household and expenses specific to the child being adopted; determine the appropriate subsidy range and ceiling based on household income and expenses of the family; confer with the state client-representative to receive parameters for negotiation; contact the adoptive parents or their attorney (by phone and / or email) and discuss the needs and circumstances involved in their case; answer all questions of adoptive parents or their attorney regarding reasons behind the subsidy offered; participate in face-to-face meetings with adoptive parents where requested; obtain client approval and signatures of both parties; prepare and send Final Offer letters in cases of impasse; and, inform adoptive parents of right of Fair Hearing (administrative review and administrative hearing) pursuant to DCS policy. Submit signed agreements to client representative and CEU.
The position reports to DCS Legal Operations Counsel and Deputy General Counsel. The position is a contract position and does not offer state benefits. The contractor shall work up to forty (40) hours per week at the DCS Central Office located in downtown Indianapolis.
Qualifications:
1) Bachelor's degree.
2) JD licensed in the State of Indiana with at least two (2) years of experience practicing law.
3) A demonstrated understanding and / or interest in at least one of the following: child welfare law, adoption law, and / or administrative law.
4) Must be or must become familiar with DCS laws, rules, and policies, particularly those relating to adoption assistance, administrative review, and administrative hearing (Indiana Child Welfare Policy Manual, Chapter 10).
5) Prior public service is a plus.
6) Excellent skills in dealing with the public are required.
7) Candidates will use and need to be familiar with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Internet Explorer.
Interested candidates please send resume in Word format Please reference job code 121512 when responding to this ad.