CPS Regional Attorney III
About The Position
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. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases. The Legal CPS Regional Attorney III provides direct representation in court for CPS in legal cases. 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
- Graduated from an accredited law school.
- 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.
Nice To Haves
- Work experience as an attorney practicing civil law, family law, or child welfare law is preferred.
Responsibilities
- 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.
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
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
