Job/Position DescriptionLegal CPS Regional Attny IIIThe Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected and#151; children, elderly, and people with disabilities and#151; from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, and Values in service to the 27 million citizens of Texas.WHY WORK FOR DFPS?DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments, but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. An additional benefit you will receive is 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.The Legal CPS Regional Attorney III provides direct representation in court for CPS in legal cases. The position reviews affidavits for orders in aid of investigations and required participation in services cases for legal sufficiency and provides expertise, guidance, and instructions to Child Protective Investigations. This position will also require regular travel, and may include travel across regional boundaries to provide representation of the Department in multiple counties in multiple regions. 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; and protective services clients and the general public. Essential Job FunctionsAdvises Child Protective Investigations in matters related to requests for orders in aid of investigation and requests for orders for required participation in services 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. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or CertificationsLicensed to practice law in the State of Texas an https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=591307 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.