Legal CPS Regional Attny III

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the 27 million citizens of Texas.
DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year.
Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.
The Legal CPS Regional Attorney III provides direct representation in court for CPS in legal cases.
The position reviews affidavits for orders in aid of investigations and required participation in services cases for legal sufficiency and provides expertise, guidance, and instructions to Child Protective Investigations.
This position may require regular travel, including travel across regional boundaries to provide representation of the Department in multiple counties in multiple regions.
The position provides expertise, guidance, and instruction in family law, civil litigation, and agency policy.
The position monitors the progress of all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services court cases within the assigned area of responsibility and takes appropriate measures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases.
The position interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program directors and program administrators; agency attorneys, county and district attorneys, and opposing counsel; judges; agency clients, witnesses, community professionals, and expert witnesses; and protective services clients and the general public.
Essential Job Functions: Advises Child Protective Investigations in matters related to requests for orders in aid of investigation and requests for orders for required participation in services and other matters as requested.
Advises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.
Advises county and district attorneys on legal matters.
Provides agency representation in court cases.
Prepares cases for trial and handles the trial on most cases.
Provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community.
Coordinates specialized legal efforts with appropriate experts.
Prepares or supervises the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, legal pleadings, and reports.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Assists in formulating, establishing, and coordinating office systems.
Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of family law and civil practice.
Ability to synthesize the law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation.
Ability to convey complex legal ideas and instructions clearly to staff.
Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with agency staff and the legal community.
Registration or Licensure Requirements: Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Initial Selection Criteria: Graduated from an accredited law school.
Additional Information: Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 27A, 27B, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 51JX.
For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://www.
hr.
sao.
state.
tx.
us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.
aspx MOS Code: MOS Code: 27A, 27B, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 51JX As a state agency, DFPS is required Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards.
The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.
1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.
HHS agencies use E-Verify.
You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.
If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.