Civil Attorney - Family Justice

$93,371 - $101,179/Yr

Williamson County - Georgetown, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Georgetown, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Civil Attorney for Family Justice will represent the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) in all Child Protective Services (CPS) legal cases in Williamson County. This role involves courtroom representation, legal consultation, trial preparation, mediation, and drafting legal documents. The attorney will provide counsel to TDFPS, train caseworkers, and coordinate with various agencies to ensure the welfare of children in legal proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Represent TDFPS in all CPS legal cases in Williamson County, including courtroom representation in hearings and trials.
• Provide counsel to TDFPS and other county offices regarding legal inquiries related to CPS and child welfare matters.
• Train TDFPS caseworkers on investigations, Family Based Safety Services, conservatorships, and adoptions.
• Respond to community inquiries regarding family cases and refer to community resources when appropriate.
• Prepare for and represent TDFPS in contested hearings, including drafting motions and legal briefs, and conducting witness examinations.
• Coordinate with investigators and legal assistants to compile evidence for cases.
• Communicate and collaborate with outside agencies, including law enforcement and the Office of the Attorney General.
• Serve as a liaison between TDFPS, the Court, and other parties regarding Home and Community-Based Services for children with special needs.
• Assist with mental health cases/hearings as needed and serve as an on-call intake attorney in a rotation.
• Attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and provide insight to law enforcement and the Children's Advocacy Center.

Requirements

• Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school.
• Five years of experience in a county or district attorney office, city attorney, or other governmental attorney with relevant experience; or six years of family law experience as an attorney.
• Knowledge of the Texas Family Code and legal principles.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, LexisNexis, and Westlaw.
• Valid Bar license in Texas, required within thirty days of employment.
• Valid driver's license, required within six months of employment.
• Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) certification and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) certification.

Nice-to-haves

• Board Certification in Child Welfare or Family Law.
• Working knowledge of Odyssey and Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS).
• Bilingual in Spanish.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance