Legal CPS Regional Attorney III

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

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 citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

The Legal CPS Regional Attorney III provides direct representation in court for CPS in legal cases. 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 (EJFs):

• 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 and Abilities (KSAs):

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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduated from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Work experience in Family Law or Child Welfare Law.

Additional Information:

N/A

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Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by 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.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS 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/DFPS 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.