Senior Resource Attorney - Child Welfare

Type of Staff Position: Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis: 12 months

Job Search Category: Other Professional

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

South Carolina Retirement: Yes

State Insurance Programs: Yes

Annual Leave: Yes

Sick Leave: Yes

Advertised Job Summary

The Children’s Law Center seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Senior Resource Attorney, providing statewide leadership in child welfare legal education and professional development. This position is ideal for an attorney who is passionate about improving child welfare practice and is looking to expand their impact beyond individual cases. The Senior Resource Attorney develops and leads high-quality training programs for Department of Social Services attorneys, paralegals, and child welfare professionals, including the Children’s Law Center’s signature court skills training. The position also manages key statewide initiatives, including the South Carolina Citizen Review Panels, and collaborates with judges, attorneys, agency leaders, and other partners to strengthen child welfare practice across South Carolina. This position offers the opportunity to improve child welfare practice statewide through training, systems collaboration, and professional development, allowing the selected attorney to extend their impact beyond individual cases. The Senior Resource Attorney helps strengthen the child welfare workforce and advance better outcomes for children and families across South Carolina.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires law degree and minimum of five years of experience as a practicing attorney in proceedings related to child abuse and neglect.

Preferred Qualifications

• Membership in the South Carolina Bar and experience representing the child protection agency.
• Experience in developing curricula and conducting training programs, including the use of technology in training.
• Prefer at least one year of managerial experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of general and South Carolina statutory and case law relating to child abuse and neglect.
• Thorough knowledge of family court rules and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply the law.
• Considerable knowledge of the dynamics and effects of child abuse and neglect.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including public speaking.
• Ability to explain legal concepts and procedures to non-lawyers.
• Ability to handle numerous details and concurrent tasks with a high degree of proficiency.
• Ability to exercise discretion in a responsible manner.

Job Duties

Job Duty

Develops, conducts, and manages initial court skills training for new child welfare professionals. Coordinates mock hearings, including preparation of staff and external trainers for their roles. Updates training curriculum and materials as needed. Manages operation of training program.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 45%

Job Duty

Oversees implementation of the SC Citizen Review Panels contract and the DSS child welfare training contract training contract. Assists with contract management, ensures deliverables are met and performance reports submitted, maintains communication with DSS and partners, and develops scopes of work for future contracts as needed.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 20%

Job Duty

Oversees coordination of continuing legal education programs for DSS attorneys and paralegals. Improves, expands, or develops new training programs as needed or requested.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 15%

Job Duty

Supervises employees by applying appropriate management principles according to university policy and procedures, completing EPMS timely and accurately, and monitoring employee progress towards goal attainment. Communicates expectations and provides feedback to assist employee with performance improvement, professional development, and skills/competency development.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 15%

Job Duty

Other duties as assigned related to the child welfare training contract and membership in the CLC’s leadership team.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 5%

Hazardous weather category: Non-Essential

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.: No

Number of Vacancies: 1

Job Open Date: 09/10/2026

Job Close Date: 10/02/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by October 2, 2026.

Quicklink for Posting: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/213004

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.