The Policy Law Advisor works with the Foster Care Court Improvement Program (FCCIP) in implementing and furthering its goal to improve the Judiciary's handling of Children in Need of Assistance and related Guardianship and Adoption cases. This position facilitates the implementation of new program initiatives and best practices as they relate to CINA and related Guardianship and Adoption Cases throughout the State. Provides technical assistance to Maryland courts on child welfare law. Researches child welfare issues and maintains expertise in child welfare law and state and federal policy. The incumbent will coordinate and provide technical assistance to the Permanency Planning Liaisons throughout the State. Serves as an active liaison with other child welfare justice partners in the Executive branch. This position performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Manager and the Juvenile & Family Services Director.

Education: Juris Doctor from an accredited law school.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in the field of public child welfare law.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of child welfare and related guardianship law, policy, and practice; expert ability with legal research and statutory interpretation.
• Knowledge of the federal court improvement programs, federal Title IV-E and Child and Family Services Review processes.
• Working knowledge of relevant Federal legislation and Maryland Family Laws; COMAR; DHS/SSA policy and procedures; and best practices as identified by National Child Welfare entities, such as the Administration on Children and Families and the National Center for State Courts.
• Writing skills, including plain language writing, and editing skills.
• Skill in conducting research writing clear, concise summaries of professional, technical, and legal material.
• Ability to analyze legal issues, apply laws, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as required.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders, external justice partners, and other Judiciary departments; communicate in an effective, patient, and tactful manner with judges, court personnel, and the public.
• Ability to independently advise judges, magistrates, courts staff, and others on child welfare law and to determine whether an issue needs to be referred elsewhere or escalated/addressed on a larger scale.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations to large and small groups; ability to design, deliver, and manage trainings and workshops.
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to establish priorities and be adaptable and multi-task oriented.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office suite and relevant internet search engines.

The Maryland Judiciary is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity in the workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, familial status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. Applicants who need an ADA Accommodation for an interview should request the accommodation when notified of a request to be interviewed. Applicants must be United States citizens or eligible to work in the United States.