Description:
*This position will not be housed in Beaumont, but rather at a DFPS office in either Lubbock, Abilene, San Angelo or Wichita Falls.
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:
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Initial Screening Criteria:
Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
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 disabled adults.
- 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.
