Closing Date: 30th September, 2024
Description:
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 will also require regular travel and may include 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.
- 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. Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
