ATTORNEY IV
$80,000-$90,000 (Salary Group B27)
Full-time: 40 Hours per Week
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Assist in the implementation of the goals of the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health (the JCMH), a commission created by the Supreme Court of Texas and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. The Commission works to strengthen criminal and civil courts in the administration of justice for Texans with mental health challenges or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through judicial and attorney education, collaboration with mental health and IDD experts, and judicial leadership.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB
Lead a technical assistance project to educate and support courts seeking to establish mental health courts, dockets, or judicial practices to improve the court and community response to individuals with mental illness or IDD. Technical assistance will be accomplished through regional conferences, web-based content and other judicial tools and resources and connecting courts to mentor courts. Travel is required to regional, state, and national conferences and meetings to learn and share best practices.
Participate in strategic planning to improve outcomes for children and adults with mental health challenges or IDD as they intersect with the justice systems. Assist in planning and conducting JCMH meetings with agendas, reports, presentations, and budgets.
Assist in building relationships with stakeholders and represent the JCMH in its mission to institutionalize collaboration among executive, legislative, judicial, and tribal nation leaders.
Identify measurable project goals and objectives, including criteria for evaluating a project and its objectives, and demonstrate excellent project management skills related to timeliness, progress, accountability, and budgeting. Develop and follow communication and action plans for projects.
Author or contribute to written and other materials as required, such as reports, newsletters, articles, Op-Eds, speeches, judicial directives, policy and data analysis, and JCMH website content.
Support JCMH workgroups as assigned, which may include convening multi-disciplinary stakeholders, facilitating substantive planning sessions, creating project timetables, evaluating strategies and proposed solutions, and producing related reports.
Perform research on proposed legislation to assess the impact on Texas courts and draft policy memoranda or research reports, as appropriate. Support statewide efforts to implement recently enacted laws, as assigned.
Supervise the work of other staff and interns, as assigned.
Experience and Education
At least three years’ experience as a licensed attorney and graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Candidate must possess excellent skills in writing, teaching, facilitation, and project management.
Experience with the Texas court system and knowledge of state laws regarding criminal justice, juvenile justice, and/or civil commitments are preferred. Knowledge of mental health law and treatment, trauma-informed care, as well as an understanding of factors impacting well-being, including poverty, racism, trauma, human trafficking, and intellectual and developmental disabilities are beneficial.
Travel required – 30 %.
Registration, Certification, or Licensure
Must be licensed to practice law in Texas with a preference for at least two years of Texas licensure.
The Supreme Court of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.
How to Apply instructions:
Employer Name: SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS
Contact: Molly McNear, Executive Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Additional Contact Instructions: Please submit a cover letter and resume by email to [email protected] or by mail to: Regular Mail (USPS) please use Supreme Court of Texas, Attn: Molly McNear, P.O. Box 12248, Austin, TX 78711; FedEx or UPS please use Supreme Court of Texas, Attn: Molly McNear, 201 W 14th Street, Room 104, Austin, TX 78701. Please email at [email protected] with any questions.