Attorney

DePelchin Children’s Center • Houston, TX

16d • Hybrid

About The Position

DePelchin is currently hiring two (2) Child Welfare Attorney to represent the Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) team serving DFPS Region 6A/6B, which includes Harris County and 12 surrounding counties. This position represents the SSCC in court hearings and legal proceedings throughout Stage I and Stage II of Texas’ Community-Based Care transition. The Attorney will also be responsible for supervising the Court Liaison Paralegal. This role involves frequent travel across the 13-county Region 6 for court hearings and client meetings.

During Stage I, the SSCC is responsible for foster care placements and services for children in DFPS custody, including overseeing adoptions and meeting children’s day-to-day needs. However, DFPS retains primary case management responsibility and legal oversight.

During Stage II, the SSCC assumes primary case management responsibilities for children in care, significantly expanding its role. Responsibilities will include developing and managing service plans, conducting required visits, and managing court-related activities and key permanency decisions (e.g., reunification versus termination) that were previously handled by DFPS. Accordingly, the attorney’s role will expand to take the lead on legal matters.

In addition to courtroom responsibilities, the attorney will support broader organizational and educational initiatives and will supervise the Court Liaison Paralegal.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school required.
• Active Texas State Bar membership required.
• Five (5) years’ experience in family law, child welfare litigation, CPS legal cases, or related courtroom experience.
• In-depth knowledge of Texas Family Code (particularly Chapters 262, 263, 264) and child welfare regulations.
• Familiarity with DFPS practices, court procedures in child protection cases, and the Community-Based Care (CBC) model including Stage I and II responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to litigate or appear in court, negotiate, and advocate effectively.
• Comfortable preparing witnesses, presenting evidence, and handling high-stakes hearings (e.g. termination of parental rights trials).
• Excellent legal writing abilities for drafting motions, court reports, and legal guidance documents.
• Strong verbal communication to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers (caseworkers, stakeholders) and to collaborate with multiple parties (judges, opposing counsel, DFPS personnel).
• Passion for child welfare and improving outcomes for children and families.
• Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team (caseworkers, program staff, leadership) and adapt as the SSCC expands its role.
• Proven ethical judgment, confidentiality, and commitment to the best interests of children in the foster care system.
• Willingness to travel regularly within Region 6A/6B (a 13-county area) for court hearings, meetings, and trainings.
• Must have reliable personal transportation, valid Texas Driver License and current Auto Insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with Child Protective Services (CPS) cases, foster care/adoption law, or representing DFPS/parents/children in CPS proceedings a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Represent the SSCC in court hearings and legal proceedings throughout Stage I and Stage II of Texas’ Community-Based Care transition.
• Supervise the Court Liaison Paralegal.
• Support broader organizational and educational initiatives.
• Develop and manage service plans.
• Conduct required visits.
• Manage court-related activities and key permanency decisions (e.g., reunification versus termination).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree