Deputy Attorney General I-V - Child Protection Unit

Family Division New Castle County

Recruitment #092024-MUAF24-150100

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Introduction

Delaware's Attorney General, the State's chief law enforcement officer, has a broad responsibility to combat crime, uphold civil rights, safeguard families, fight fraud, and protect consumers in the First State. In meeting this mission, Attorney General Kathy Jennings is supported by teams of talented lawyers and staff in the Criminal, Civil, Family, Fraud and Consumer Protection, and Civil Rights and Public Trust Divisions. Each of the more than 500 staff who work in the Office of the Attorney General are dedicated to serving all Delawareans with integrity and passion. Deputy Attorneys General, with critical support from criminal special investigators, victim service specialists, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff, prosecute criminal cases, enforce consumer laws, provide counsel to state agencies, ensure the public's access to open government, protect the abused, and much more.

Summary Statement

The Department of Justice is seeking a Deputy Attorney General for the Family Division, to serve in the Child Protection Unit in New Castle County. This Deputy Attorney General primarily represents the Division of Family Services (“DFS”) in their often complex Dependency and Neglect Custody hearings, Termination of Parental Rights hearings and Child Protection Registry Substantiation hearings before the Family Court.  This Deputy Attorney General also represents DFS in Supreme Court appeals resulting from the various hearings.  Deputy Attorneys General in the Unit attend hearings and draft, file, and respond to pleadings in Family Court.  They also participate in case planning meetings with DFS and prepare appellate briefs.  This work is imperative for the protection of Delaware’s abused, dependent and neglected children and is extremely fulfilling. 

**anticipated start date is November 3, 2024**

Career Ladder

Salary: 
Pay Grade A12 DAG I  Salary Range $75,684/min  $83,252/max 
Pay Grade A14 DAG II  Salary Range $87,822/min  $92,106/max 
Pay Grade A16 DAG III  Salary Range $96,997/min  $99,129/max
Pay Grade A18 DAG IV  Salary Range $106,626/min  $108,737/max 
Pay Grade A20 DAG V  Salary Range $118,238/min  $122,920/max 


The Deputy Attorney General (DAG) career steps and salaries are based on experience, skills and the number of years barred.  Salary commensurate with experience.

Job Requirements

A qualified candidate’s strengths will include the ability to work independently, evaluate cases, meet deadlines, anticipate legal issues, and research accurately and effectively.  Candidates must have the ability to learn and apply relevant laws, rules of evidence, and court rules.  Candidates must also have excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Related experience in Family Court is preferred. The position will require some statewide travel to various meetings, trainings and hearings.  Membership in Delaware Bar is not required; however, membership or current Rule 55 admission is preferred.  Candidates who are not currently admitted to practice, in any fashion, must have taken the July 2024 Delaware bar exam, or must be willing to register and take the next available Delaware Bar Exam (February 2025).  

Additional Posting Information

  • Please be sure to upload a recent copy of your resume, as you complete the application process for this posting.
  • This position is exempt from the State of Delaware Merit System.  

Conditions of Hire

  • Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire. 
  • Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of hire.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

  • May be eligible Loan forgiveness (State and Federal)
  • State of Delaware healthcare plan
  • State of Delaware pension plan
  • Over 4 weeks of vacation per year
  • 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

Accommodations

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.