Assistant County Attorney
Employer: Williamson County Attorney’s Office
Location: Georgetown, Texas
POSITION: Assistant County Attorney – Family Justice Attorney
SALARY: $106,418.00
JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting directly to the Chief Family Attorney, responsible for representing the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) in all Child Protective Services (CPS) legal cases in Williamson County, including courtroom representation in hearings and trials, consulting, bench and jury trial preparation, hearing and trial practice, mediation, and drafting of motions, briefs, and discovery.
General Duties:
- Provides counsel to TDFPS, as well as other county offices, regarding any legal inquiries or questions related to CPS and child welfare matters
- Provides training to department caseworkers on investigations, Family Based Safety Services, conservatorships, and adoptions
- Responds to community inquiries regarding family cases and refers to community resources when appropriate
- Represents the department in cases following a final order until the children achieve permanency
- Staffs, reviews, and provides counsel regarding new cases; reviews intake documents such as petition, orders of protection, order to appoint attorneys, order to set hearings, affidavits, and protective orders
- Coordinates with investigators and legal assistants to compile evidence
- Prepares for and represents TDFPS in contested hearings by preparing motions, providing legal research to the court, drafting legal briefs, preparing the trial notebook, interviewing and subpoenaing witnesses, reviewing evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, providing argument to the court, and making complex and tactical decisions while in trial and hearings
- Prepares cases for statutory and review hearings; reviews files, prepares client, and prepares orders
- Coordinates discovery requests, receipt, and responses
- Communicates and collaborates frequently with outside agencies including law enforcement, victims, witnesses, judges, TDFPS, and The Office of the Attorney General, as well as interoffice departments, such as the criminal divisions of the County and District Attorney’s Offices
- Serves as a liaison between TDFPS, the Court, case participants, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) for children who have special needs and will need ongoing care
- Staffs current cases for progress and evaluates case needs and issues; ensures needs are appropriately connected to resources, including but not limited to trauma-informed care
- Coordinates communication and actions in emergency situations by serving as liaison between the department, the court, and other parties in order to formulate a plan of response to emergencies, such as a move of the child for the child’s safety
- Assists the Mental Health Prosecutor as needed with mental health cases/hearings
- Serves as “on-call” intake attorney in a rotation
- Cross trains to proficiency in civil division responsibilities
- Collaborates with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Williamson County as well as provides training to CASA volunteers and staff
- Attends Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and provides insight and information to law enforcement, the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), and the department
- Participates as a member of the community Fatality Review Team
- Attends all meetings and trainings, as required
- Performs special duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS:
Doctor of Jurisprudence from an accredited law school and five (5) years of experience in a county or district attorney office, city attorney, or other governmental attorney with experience in areas related to the job duties; or six (6) years of family law experience as an attorney in relevant areas
Candidates should be proficient in electronic legal research. Candidates should possess superior communications skills. Experience in Family Law or Child Welfare Law, specifically representing parents, children or the Department of Family and Protective Services is preferred. Knowledge of Civil Procedure and discovery rules and deadlines. Civil jury trial experience. Abilities to manage a considerable docket of active cases and consistently satisfy deadlines in the face of competing time demands are essential functions of the position. The selected candidate must be able to demonstrate these skills and perform these functions with minimal direction from the County Attorney.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Mainly indoor activity. Significant contact with the public, crime victims, witnesses, persons accused/convicted of crimes, police officers, and other law enforcement /courthouse personnel.
About This Office
Williamson County is a medium size office serving approximately 28 law enforcement agencies including the City of Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Georgetown. We are looking for a highly self-motivated, hardworking, compassionate individual who is dedicated in handling cases with the Department of Family and Protective services. Health and retirement benefits provided through Williamson County. State Bar dues, CLE and membership in TDCAA for the selected candidate will be paid by the County Attorney’s Office.
APPLICATIONS
To be considered, interested candidates must submit an Employment Application online only thru Williamson County Human Resources at
https://agency.governmentjobs.com/williamsonco/default.cfm
Not every applicant will be interviewed. No phone calls. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Employment is ALWAYS AT WILL of the County Attorney.
Resumes may be emailed to:
Office Administrator, Stephanie Lloyd [email protected]
However, an application MUST be completed via Williamson County HR online portal.