Assistant Civil Attorney (Family Justice) - County Attorney

Williamson County (TX)•Georgetown, TX

50d

About The Position

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 Williamson County, 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.

Requirements

Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school and two (2) years of experience in a county or district attorney office, city attorney, or other governmental attorney with experience in areas related to the job duties; or three (3) years of civil law experience as an attorney in relevant areas
Knowledge and understanding of the Texas Family Code and legal principles and theories
Working knowledge of specific job-related technology
State Bar of Texas
Valid driver's license
Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification
Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification

Nice To Haves

Five (5) years of experience in a county or district attorney office, city attorney, or other governmental attorney with experience in areas related to the job duties; or six (6) years of family law experience as an attorney in relevant areas
Working knowledge of Odyssey and Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS)
Bilingual (Spanish)

Responsibilities

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 Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Williamson County 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