Closing Date: 24th March, 2027

Description:

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 is a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program. DFPS 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 Texasaver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. As an additional benefit you will receive 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Annual paid leave accrual increases as tenure increases.

Performs complex legal work. Provides direct representation for Adult Protective Services in court. Provides expertise, guidance and instruction in probate, guardianship, elder law, and agency policy. Monitors the progress of all Department Family and Protective Services' (DFPS) cases within the assigned area of responsibility, and takes appropriate measures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases. Interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program administrators, agency attorneys, county and district attorneys, opposing counsel, judges, agency clients, investigation witnesses, community professionals, expert witnesses, and the general public.

Essential Job Functions:

Advises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.
Advises County and District Attorneys on legal matters, and interprets law, regulations and policies.
Provides agency representation in court cases.
Provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community.
Coordinates specialized legal efforts with appropriate experts.
Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Has a valid Texas driver's license.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of probate law, guardianship law, and elder law as a retained attorney or appointed ad litem or experience as an attorney in protective services for the elderly or adults with a disability.
Ability to synthesize law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation.
Ability to convey complex ideas and instructions clearly to staff.
Ability to work with computers

Initial Screening Criteria:
Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Additional Information:
Physical requirements for the position include the ability to drive a vehicle, to lift and carry objects, operate a computer, including operating word-processing, data management and other computer software, to be capable of verbal and written communication, and to operate machinery and equipment, such as copiers, facsimile, and other office equipment.