ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

Job Requisition ID: 49451
Closing Date: 10/06/2025
​Agency: Department of Children and Family Services
Class Title: TECHNICAL ADVISOR III - 45253
Skill Option: None
Bilingual Option: None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $7,787/month; Full Salary Range $7,787-$11,450/month
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: RC010 Professional Legal Unit, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:

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 illinois.jobs2web.com 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 Administrative Law Judge. Under administrative direction, this position will monitor the adjudication of complaints issued under the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services from the date of issuance until completion of an order recommending final disposition thereof to the Director. The position will compose formal written recommendations for the Director’s action and will review tapes and transcripts, documentary evidence, and post hearing briefs in order to prepare recommendations for the Director. The position will prepare recommended orders and decisions and set forth specific findings of fact, conclusions of law, and analysis of the relevant statutes, regulations, and court decisions. This position will guide the appeal through pre-hearing phases and will preside at formal administrative hearings convened throughout the state. This position is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who would like to use their skills as an attorney to ensure appropriate actions are taken through the administrative hearings process. DCFS offers a competitive compensation plan, excellent benefits, and a pension program. The ideal candidate for this position will have excellent legal, analytical, and organizational skills. We invite all qualified applicants to apply to join our innovative team to help make a difference in the lives of children and families.

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

1. Requires the ability to pass a background check
2. Requires possession of a valid driver's license and ability to travel
3. 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:

  Work Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm
Work Location: 1 N Old State Capitol Plz Springfield, IL 62701-1323
Agency Contact: Lily Koehl
Email: [email protected]
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

PUC#: 90684087

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.

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 Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com 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 Illinois.jobs2web.com – 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:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]