ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

Job description

Job Requisition ID: 58387 Opening Date: 09/02/2026 Closing Date: 09/17/2026 Agency: Department of Children and Family Services Class Title: TECHNICAL ADVISOR III - 45253 Skill Option: None Bilingual Option: None Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $8,060 monthly; Full Range $8,060-$11,851 monthly Job Type: Salaried Category: Full Time Number of Vacancies: 1 Bargaining Unit Code: RC010 Professional Legal Unit, AFSCME Merit Comp Code: Work Hours : Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability :It is required that a person reports to the headquarters on this job position as necessary (could be weekly, monthly, or other schedule) dependent on operational need Headquarter Location :Ottawa - 1580 1St Ave Work County :LaSalle Agency Contact : This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position. All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal. Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered. Why Work for Illinois? Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois. Position Overview The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is seeking an organized, professional, and results oriented individual to serve as Technical Advisor III. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent organizational skills and strong leadership and communication capabilities. We invite you to join our innovative team to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families of Illinois. Essential Functions Serves as Administrative Law Judge Guides the appeal through pre-hearing phases Presides at formal administrative hearings convened throughout the state of Illinois Prepares complete administrative records in cases appealed to the Circuit Court on administrative review in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act On a regular basis, reviews developments in the relevant law, both state and federal, and conducts legal research into more complex issues Provides input to the Chief Administrative Law Judge in formulating and reviewing rules and procedures pertaining to the Administrative Hearings Unit Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above Minimum Qualifications Requires graduation from a recognized law school Requires possession of a valid license to practice law in Illinois Requires 2 years of professional experience in the practice of law Preferred Qualifications 2 years of experience applying thorough knowledge of common law and of state and federal laws, particularly relating to administrative and regulatory functions 2 years of experience applying extensive knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedure and of the rules of evidence, hearings, and trial procedures 2 years of experience applying extensive knowledge in the field of law with which primarily concerned 2 years of experience applying the ability to plan, lay out, and review work relating to complicated legal problems 2 years of experience utilizing litigation skills 2 years of experience utilizing skill and ability in analyzing, appraising, and organizing facts, evidence, and precedents concerned in difficult and complex cases and in presenting such material in clear and logical form for oral or written presentation, as briefs, orders, reports, or decisions 2 years of experience applying the ability to exercise sound judgment in appraising and evaluating problems of a procedural nature 2 years of experience in a professional setting demonstrating the ability to maintain satisfactory working relationships with superiors, other attorneys, employees, and the general public Conditions of Employment Requires the ability to pass a background check Requires possession of a valid driver's license and ability to travel This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine. The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description. About the Agency DCFS is deeply committed to the welfare and protection of children. Our goal is to protect children by strengthening and supporting families. In every effort, from receiving hotline calls to reaching family reunification or foster care and adoption, children and families are our focus. As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following: A Pension Program Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year) 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment) Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable) 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position) 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only) For more information about our benefits please follow this link: This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs). Revolving Door: Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (“OEIG”) or may be subject to a fine. Statement of Economic Interest: This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest. The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statements of Economic Interest with the Office of the Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public. All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission. (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process. If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the homepage in the blue ribbon. Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account. If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources: State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid Non-State employees: on – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website. The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses: