Closing Date: 5th May, 2024
Description:
Job Summary:Reporting directly to the Family Division Director, responsible for representing the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) in all Child Protective Services (CPS) legal cases in A Government Entity, including courtroom representation in hearings and trials, consulting, bench and jury trial preparation, hearing and trial practice, mediation, and drafting of motions, briefs, and discovery.
Examples of Work Performed:
- Provides counsel to TDFPS, as well as other county offices, regarding any legal inquiries or questions related to CPS and child welfare matters
- Provides training to TDFPS caseworkers on investigations, Family Based Safety Services, conservatorships, and adoptions
- Responds to community inquiries regarding family cases and refers to community resources when appropriate
- Represents the department in cases following a final order until the children achieve permanency
- Staffs, reviews, and provides counsel regarding new cases; reviews intake documents such as petition, orders of protection, order to appoint attorneys, order to set hearings, affidavits, and protective orders
- Coordinates with investigators and legal assistants to compile evidence
- Prepares for and represents TDFPS in contested hearings by preparing motions, providing legal research to the court, drafting legal briefs, preparing the trial notebook, interviewing and subpoenaing witnesses, reviewing evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, providing argument to the court, and making complex and tactical decisions while in trial and hearings
- Prepares cases for statutory and review hearings; reviews files, prepares client, and prepares orders
- Coordinates discovery requests, receipt, and responses
- Communicates and collaborates frequently with outside agencies including law enforcement, victims, witnesses, judges, TDFPS, and The Office of the Attorney General, as well as interoffice departments, such as the criminal divisions of the County and District Attorney's Offices
- Serves as a liaison between TDFPS, the Court, case participants, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) for children who have special needs and will need ongoing care
- Staffs current cases for progress and evaluates case needs and issues; ensures needs are appropriately connected to resources, including but not limited to trauma-informed care
- Coordinates communication and actions in emergency situations by serving as liaison between the department, the court, and other parties in order to formulate a plan of response to emergencies, such as a move of the child for the child's safety
- Assists with mental health cases/hearings as needed
- Serves as “on-call” intake attorney in a rotation
- Cross trains to proficiency in civil division responsibilities
- Collaborates with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of A Government Entity as well as provides training to CASA volunteers and staff
- Attends Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and provides insight and information to law enforcement, the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC), and the department
- Participates as a member of the community Fatality Review Team
- Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
- Performs special duties as assigned
Organization Relationships
Reports directly to – Family Division Director
Direct Reports – No
Physical Demands:
Position involves prolonged sitting at a workstation, visual examination of documents, reaching, walking, twisting, bending, standing and occasional lifting/carrying
Environmental Factors:
- Work is primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment
- Some travel between work sites as required
Irregular Hours
- Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) may be required
- May be deemed essential personnel in the event of an emergency
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) from an accredited law school
- Knowledge and understanding of the Texas Family Code and legal principles and theories
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, LexisNexis, and Westlaw
Licenses and Certifications:
Required:
State Bar of Texas
Required within thirty (30) days of employment
Valid driver's license
Required within six (6) months of employment
Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification
Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification
Preferred Qualifications:
- Board Certification in Child Welfare or Family Law
- Working knowledge of Odyssey and Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)
- Bilingual (Spanish)