Special Projects and Training Attorney IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•San Antonio, TX

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. Performs advanced (senior-level) legal work with respect to the agency's activities including but not limited to litigation, appellate court, open records, employment, policy and procurement, grants, contracting, and enforcement of contracts to ensure agency compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Work involves organizing and planning legal activities, coordinating the preparation of legal documents, coordinating and providing advice regarding various hearings, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. Participates in assigned projects, including but not limited to the development of policies, rules, standard procedures and forms, review and implementation of legislative changes and similar projects, with a heavy emphasis on the legislation side. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative.

Requirements

Holds a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Knowledge of fundamentals of contract law, government law, and Texas state agency contracts.
Knowledge in reviewing, developing, negotiating and management of contracts and grants.
Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings.
Knowledge of federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies affecting DFPS programs.
Knowledge of Texas procurement and contracting laws.
Skill in efficient legal research including use of Westlaw and other internet legal research.
Skill in interpreting statutes and reviewing, understanding, and explaining the meaning and impact of pending legislation.
Skilled in conducting research, to summarize findings, and to use legal reference materials.
Skilled in foreseeing legal implications of contract terms and procurement and contract actions and advice accordingly.
Skilled in exceptional oral and written communication skills to a wide range of audiences.
Skilled in identifying relevant legal issues.
Skill in organizing and expressing complex legal problems clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Skilled in preparing opinions, contracts, rules, and policies and procedures.
Skill in preparing high-quality, complex procurement, and contractual documents.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
Skill in demonstrating sound judgment and reasonable tolerance of ambiguity in the performance of job duties.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with clients, other government officers and employees, and stakeholder groups.
Skilled in operating a personal computer and other basic office equipment.
Skilled in articulating legal concepts to management and other stakeholders.
Skilled in providing legal representation in administrative or contested case hearings.
Skilled in courtroom advocacy
Ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to utilize legal experience and training to assist in developing policies and training to safeguard federal funds flowing to agency, minimize liability and avoid risk to clients.
Ability to analyze moderately complex to advanced factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws.
Ability to organize and manage in a timely fashion multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.
Ability to think creatively and apply clear, logical problem-solving techniques.
Ability to maintain professional and collegial relations with all levels of management and staff at the DFPS, as well as with other agencies’ management and staff and the public.
Five years of experience in the practice of civil law and civil litigation.

Nice To Haves

Experience as an attorney for parent or child, or as a juvenile defender, or experience in representing DFPS in either CPS or APS cases.

Responsibilities

Organizes and coordinates legal and administrative activities.
Responds to open records requests, consults in drafting of rules, and monitors changes in state and federal agency rules.
Coordinates and advises on the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, contracts, proposals, and reports.
Advises Agency leadership, Contract Management, Programmatic, and Internal Audit staff on federal and state laws and regulations. Consults with management concerning legal ramifications of possible changes in overall practices and procedures.
Coordinates and advises staff and the public on legal matters and on the interpretation and application of agency regulations and state and federal laws.
Coordinates, formulates, and establishes policies and procedures.
Reviews and advice on the development of agency policies and procedures.
Provides legal advice regarding enforcement policy. Provides legal assistance on adverse actions.
Coordinates and advises on administrative, regulatory, evidentiary, and enforcement hearings.
Drafts substantive legal documents, including opinions, briefs, and memoranda that include analyses of agency authority under state and federal law.
Coordinates materials for potential litigation matters in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General, as necessary.
Represents the agency in contract negotiations and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by agency management.
Serves as liaison between agency and agency’s legal counsel in administrative or contested case hearings.
Represents agency in state district, county and child protection courts.
Supports agency compliance with statutory provisions.
Analyzes agency compliance with state agency reporting requirements, records management requirements, open government requirements, or other statutory requirements.
Prepares agency training materials and presents to internal and external stakeholders.
Reviews drafts of laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations; and bills or amendments for legislative consideration.
Drafts and reviews legal instruments and regulations in accordance with the agency’s legal authority and with state and federal laws and regulations relating to contracts and contract management.
Drafts and analyzes state and federal legislation.
May supervise the work of DFPS attorneys within office of General Counsel.
Performs related work as assigned.

Benefits

100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
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 so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

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