APS Regional Attorney

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•San Antonio, TX

27d•$6,378 - $10,786•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals. 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.

Requirements

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Has a valid Texas driver's license.
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
Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
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.
Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.
State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.
DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Nice To Haves

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at [email protected] with additional questions.

Responsibilities

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.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
12 days of paid annual leave
12 sick days
Potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year
Annual paid leave accrual increases as tenure increases