Staff Attorney – Child Welfare – Full-Time

Texas Legal Services Center•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Staff Attorney works in TLSC’s Child Welfare program, which provides direct legal services to families involved in or at risk of involvement with the Texas child welfare system. The attorney answers calls on the Family Helpline, providing free legal information and education anonymously to parents, relatives, and members of the public with questions about Texas Child Protective Services policies, procedures, and the broader child welfare legal system. The Helpline helps people understand their rights and responsibilities and navigate systems that intersect with child welfare in Texas. The attorney also provides advice and limited representation on child welfare matters, including active non-court cases such as CPS investigations, Family-Based Safety Services cases, and Administrative Reviews of Investigation Findings, as well as related matters involving education, public benefits, or medical authorizations. The position participates in outreach and contributes to training and education through presentations and written materials. It is grant funded. The attorney is expected to maintain high ethical and professional standards, follow applicable civil legal aid standards and TLSC policies, support TLSC’s mission, and comply with grant requirements and confidentiality requirements.

Requirements

J.D. degree.
Licensure by the Supreme Court of Texas at least one week before the actual start date.
High-level organizational skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to listen compassionately and actively to callers and clients and explain legal processes related to child protection law in a nonjudgmental manner.
Strong time-management skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency with, or ability to learn, LegalServer, Adobe, and Microsoft Office products.
Understanding of grant requirements and related reporting needs.

Nice To Haves

Current knowledge of child welfare and child protection law, including child protection law, family law, criminal law, conservatorship, possession and access, child support, enforcement and modification of court orders and judgments, paternity, termination of parental rights, adoption, negotiation and mediation, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and the child protective services system.
At least one year of child welfare law experience, as a caseworker or as an attorney representing parents, children, or the state in Child Protective Services cases.

Responsibilities

Provide high-quality legal information, advice, referrals, and representation to eligible callers and clients in a compassionate and nonjudgmental manner.
Conduct legal research and analysis and explain how callers and clients can complete legal tasks.
Draft legal pleadings; prepare for and attend administrative proceedings.
Enter data and notes accurately and promptly in TLSC’s case management system.
Conduct intake interviews, confirm service eligibility, and check for conflicts of interest according to TLSC policy.
Participate in relevant committees, workgroups, and taskforces to pursue child welfare transformation.
Present relevant legal topics to community members and child welfare or other legal professionals through outreach and presentations.
Create written informational and educational content about child welfare legal issues and the child welfare system.
Periodically travel outside Austin, Texas, for outreach, continuing legal education, or other opportunities.
Provide information needed for TLSC grant reporting promptly.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain ethical and professional standards and comply with applicable legal aid standards, TLSC policies, grant requirements, regulations, and confidentiality requirements.