[Hiring] Legal CPS Regional Attorney III @Texas Health & Human Services Commission

Role Description

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
• Protective services clients and the general public

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• 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.

Qualifications

• Graduated from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Work experience in Family Law or Child Welfare Law.

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.

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.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at lower rates than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential qualification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.