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 in an anonymous setting to parents, relatives, and members of the public with questions about Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) policies, procedures, and the broader child welfare legal system. Helpline services help 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 matters involving the child welfare system. These may include active, non-court cases such as CPS investigations, Family-Based Safety Services cases, and Administrative Reviews of Investigation Findings, as well as related legal issues involving education, public benefits, or medical authorizations. The role includes collaboration with child welfare stakeholders, outreach, presentations, and development of written educational materials. The attorney must maintain high ethical and professional standards, follow applicable civil legal aid standards and TLSC policies, support TLSC’s mission, and comply with grant, regulatory, and confidentiality requirements. This is a grant-funded position.

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 and explain legal processes related to child protection law in a nonjudgmental manner.
Strong time management and attention to detail.
Proficiency with, or ability to learn, LegalServer, Adobe, and Microsoft Office products.
Understanding of grant requirements and associated reporting needs.
Maintain ethical and professional standards as a member of the State Bar and comply with applicable legal aid standards, grant requirements, regulations, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

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 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, nonjudgmental manner.
Conduct legal research and analysis and explain how callers and clients can complete legal tasks.
Draft legal pleadings and prepare for and attend administrative proceedings.
Enter data and notes accurately and promptly in TLSC’s case management system.
Conduct intake interviews, confirm eligibility for services, and check for conflicts of interest according to TLSC policy.
Participate in relevant committees, workgroups, and taskforces to support child welfare transformation.
Present 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.
Travel periodically outside Austin, Texas, for outreach, continuing legal education, or other opportunities.
Provide information needed or requested for TLSC grant reporting promptly.
Perform other duties as assigned.