Agency Solicitor

Solicitor – McKean County Department of Human Services (Full-Time, Exempt)

📍 Smethport, Pennsylvania | 37.5 hours per week | Exempt | Full Benefits

McKean County Department of Human Services (DHS) – serving Children and Youth Services (CYS), Adult Mental Health, Intellectual Disabilities, and Early Intervention programs.

Position Summary

This is professional legal work serving as Solicitor for the McKean County Department of Human Services (DHS).

The Solicitor provides legal representation, consultation, and policy guidance to Children and Youth Services (CYS) and the broader DHS continuum, including Fiscal, Adult Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Early Intervention programs.

The Solicitor represents the agency in dependency, permanency, termination, and administrative proceedings; ensures compliance with federal and state laws; advises leadership and staff on due process and risk; and assists with contracts, policies, and interagency agreements.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the DHS Administrator and reviewed through conferences, reports, and evaluation of results achieved.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school of law.

Admission to practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in good standing; continued employment contingent upon maintaining active status.

Minimum of three (3) years of courtroom experience required, with preference for experience in dependency, family law, juvenile law, or human services law.

Must be a Pennsylvania resident (requirement may be waived if applicable).

Must be eligible for selection in accordance with Civil Service rules.

Must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Must have all required Act 33/34 and FBI background clearances.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law (CPSL), Juvenile Act, Adoption Act, and related child welfare regulations.

Knowledge of Pennsylvania Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA), the Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Act of 1966, and Early Intervention regulations.

Knowledge of confidentiality and information-sharing laws, including HIPAA and FERPA.

Knowledge of contract and procurement law relevant to county human services operations.

Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, and case law to DHS program operations.

Ability to communicate legal guidance clearly and effectively to non-legal staff.

Ability to draft, review, and edit legal documents, petitions, motions, contracts, and agreements.

Strong oral and written advocacy, negotiation, and research skills.

Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive legal matters simultaneously and exercise sound professional judgment.

Essential Functions

Represent CYS in Juvenile Court (dependency, permanency, emergency shelter, and safety plan hearings).

Represent CYS in Orphans’ Court (voluntary and involuntary termination of parental rights, appeals).

Represent CYS in administrative hearings before the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals.

Advise DHS leadership and staff across all divisions on legal matters, policies, and compliance.

Review, draft, and negotiate contracts, MOUs, interagency agreements, and procurement documents.

Review and advise on DHS policies and procedures to ensure alignment with law and best practices.

Prepare and brief staff for testimony and courtroom readiness.

Provide training and updates to DHS staff on new legislation and case law.

Respond to subpoenas, discovery, Right-to-Know Law requests, and other records-related matters.

Participate in collaborative meetings, workgroups, and statewide solicitor forums representing DHS interests.

Maintain after-hours availability as needed.

Travel to hearings, meetings, trainings, and site visits as required.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (30-minute lunch)

Location: McKean County, North Central Pennsylvania

Telework: Not available for this position

Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid leave, 14 paid holidays, and county pension plan

Application Instructions

Submit a cover letter, resume, and proof of current Pennsylvania Bar admission to:

Amanda Reese, CYS Direcotr
📧 arreese@mckeancountypa.gov

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.