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Dependency Attorney Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Dependency Attorney information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dependency attorney?

To thrive as a Dependency Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor degree, bar admission, and strong knowledge of child welfare law and court procedures. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases (like Westlaw or LexisNexis), and relevant state-specific regulations is essential. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and empathy are key soft skills for effectively representing clients—often children or parents—in emotionally charged cases. These skills are crucial for ensuring fair legal representation, supporting vulnerable clients, and navigating complex family court proceedings.

What is the difference between Dependency Attorney vs Family Law Attorney?

AspectDependency AttorneyFamily Law Attorney
CredentialsJurisdiction-specific law degree, bar license, specialized training in dependency lawLaw degree, bar license, specialization in family law often including dependency cases
Work EnvironmentCourts, child welfare agencies, legal clinicsCourts, law firms, private practice, legal clinics
Employer & IndustryChild welfare agencies, government legal departmentsPrivate law firms, government agencies, courts
Search & Comparison IntentDependency Attorney vs Family Law Attorney

Dependency Attorneys specialize in representing children and families involved in child welfare cases, focusing on dependency law. Family Law Attorneys handle a broader range of family-related legal issues, including divorce, custody, and adoption. While both roles require similar legal credentials and often work in related environments, Dependency Attorneys focus specifically on child welfare cases within the legal system.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by dependency attorneys, and how can new hires best prepare for them?

Dependency attorneys often manage high caseloads involving sensitive family situations, including child abuse or neglect cases. The role requires balancing advocacy for clients with the best interests of the child, which can be emotionally demanding. New hires should be prepared for frequent court appearances, collaboration with social workers, and rapidly evolving case details. Building strong organizational skills, maintaining emotional resilience, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can help navigate these challenges effectively.

What is a dependency attorney?

A Dependency Attorney is a lawyer who represents parties involved in dependency court cases, which address issues of child abuse, neglect, or abandonment. They may represent parents, children, or other interested parties in proceedings where the state intervenes to protect a child's welfare. Their primary role is to advocate for their client's interests, ensure due process is followed, and help navigate the complexities of child welfare law. Dependency Attorneys work closely with social workers, judges, and other legal professionals to secure safe and appropriate outcomes for children.

What job categories do people searching Dependency Attorney jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Dependency Attorney jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Dependency Attorney jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Dependency Attorney job openings:

Infographic showing various Dependency Attorney job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 57% In-person, 29% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Addictions Counselor- ADT, CSC, CAC, LCADC, LGPC, LCPC, LCPCS

Addiction Recovery

Laurel, MD • On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

LICENSED in MARYLAND: ADT, CSCAD, CACAD, LCADC, LGPC, LCPC, LCPC-S

EXCELLENT BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES
Past Applicants Encouraged to Re-Apply
BILINGUAL (English/Spanish) A BIG PLUS!
Hope House is seeking Addictions Counselors to help us treat addictions in an atmosphere of kindness and support. Come and help us serve the community and help our patients recover themselves.
Competitive salary.

JOB SUMMARY: Serves in the capacity of counselor/case manager for an identified case load, as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Is responsible for provision of group, individual, and family sessions for patients/clients as well as development and review of treatment plans, all required documentation, and the presentation of educational sessions to patients about the various aspects of the disease of chemical dependency and the process of recovery. Provides family education sessions as required concerning the family involvement in the process of recovery. Is capable of providing staff coverage in any counseling area in the event of shortages, including intake, assessment, didactic presentations, family sessions, individual sessions, group sessions, discharge planning, and overall case management.
COUNSELOR JOB DUTIES:
Conducts initial assessments as part of the complete multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial assessment process for the purpose of prioritizing patient treatment needs.
Participates with other members of the treatment team in the development of information to include in the complete, diagnostic summary that combines information from all disciplines.
Participates with other members of the treatment team in the development of initial and on-going treatment plans based upon weekly review of progress, patient identified needs, and ongoing assessment.
Provides group counseling/therapy sessions as required by current treatment schedules.
Provides individual counseling sessions with assigned caseload on a weekly basis or more frequently if needed.
Presents educational sessions to the patient/client community including the use of audio/visual equipment, handouts and exercises. Reviews and updates assigned didactic presentation on an annual basis.
Completes all required chart documentation consistent with Hope House policies and procedures.
Participates in crisis intervention activities with patients as required by the situation.
Consults with the psychiatrist for the Hope House program as required to facilitate effective evaluation of patient needs. Accepts direction and supervision from the psychiatrist as provided.
Meets daily with the multidisciplinary team to facilitate review of status of all assigned patients to update treatment plans and complete discharge planning and other referrals as necessary.
Conducts family education sessions as scheduled.
Conducts family counseling sessions to explain the role of the family in recovery and makes recommendations for discharge planning with the family as required.
Assists and participates in any special patient activities and recreational events including appropriate and required documentation of patient responses.
Accepts on-call counselor responsibilities on a rotating schedule.
Facilitates referral to outside agencies, continuing care agencies, and special counseling agencies based upon patient need to insure continuity of care post-discharge.
Consults and interacts with probation officers, attorneys, protective service workers, etc. to act as a patient advocate and insure comprehensiveness of care.
Attends and participates in all in-services, staff meetings, counselor meetings, and clinical meetings as required by Hope House.
Demonstrates knowledge in and compliance with all emergency and variance reporting requirements.
Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skill in safety, fire safety, and security procedures at Hope House.
Attends all mandatory, annual training-re-training to insure continued competency in safety and other issues.
Maintains current CPR certification at all times.
Attends a minimum of one counseling related course/workshop per year to maintain certification and competency standards.
Participates in CQI related functions and monitoring as required by Department Supervisor.
Other duties as assigned.


IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) from an accredited college or university in counseling, human services, or related field with course work specific to counseling chemical dependency clients.
Certification as an addiction counselor in the state of Maryland under the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists or active pursuit thereof: two years of supervised experience providing chemical dependency counseling services in a health or social work setting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.