Job Information
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES Legal CPS Regional Attny III in SAN ANTONIO, Texas
Job/Position DescriptionLegal CPS Regional Attny IIIThe Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) isresponsible for protecting the unprotected: children, elderly, and people withdisabilities, from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS is a qualifyingorganization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program. DFPS also offersexcellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and servicesthrough the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuityas well as Texasaver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the EmployeesRetirement System of Texas. As an additional benefit you will receive 12 daysof paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days ofadministrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases asyour tenure increases.This position provides direct representation in court in legal cases for ChildProtective Services. The position provides expertise, guidance and instructionin family law, civil litigation, and agency policy. The position monitors theprogress of all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services courtcases within the assigned area of responsibility and takes appropriatemeasures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases. Theposition interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program directorsand program administrators; agency attorneys, county and district attorneys,and opposing counsel; judges; agency clients, witnesses, communityprofessionals, and expert witnesses; and protective services clients and thegeneral public. Essential Job FunctionsAdvises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.Advises county and district attorneys on legal matters, and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.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.Registrations, Licensure Requirements or CertificationsLicensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Knowledge Skills AbilitiesKnowledge of family law, probate law, guardianship law, elder law, and civil practice.--Ability to synthesize 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.Initial Screening CriteriaLicensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.Additional InformationSalary commiserate with experience. https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=608717 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.
