Legal Liaison

Position Summary

The Legal Liaison performs an array of technical, training, research, planning, policy, program assessments, and administrative activities related to program assignment. This role serves as a liaison to staff, government agencies, community organizations, or the general public to explain and provide technical assistance on program specifics and requirements.  

 

Responsibilities

Collaboration 

1. Facilitates and expedites conservatorship cases to permanency through the legal system within the parameters of the Texas Family Code, as well as DFPS and SSCC policy guidelines. 
2. Collaborates with DFPS/SSCC staff to ensure documentation of legal actions and tasks have been completed. 
3. Works closely with the Quality Assurance team on performance measures for continuous improvement.  

Communication

1. The position serves as the point of contact for program staff and community partners by providing technical assistance regarding DFPS/SSCC policies and program specific requirements as they relate to the legal processing of permanency status. 

Computer Literacy

1. Utilized systems efficiently and effectively to accurately document legal documentation, research, planning, policy, program assessments, and administrative activities related to program assignment. 

Complexity and Judgement 

1. Liaises with community partners, the courts, DFPS/SSCC staff, Advocacy Center staff, attorneys, CASA staff, Law Enforcement, Constables, witnesses, and other service providers by providing technical assistance and communicating program specifics and requirements when making requests for information and documentation that supports the legal case intervention. 

Creativity and Foresight 

1. Develops and maintains positive and constructive working relationships between DFPS and the Courts, representing attorneys, law enforcement agencies, SSCC partners, CASA, and other community partners with the intent to improve communications and form a collaborative relationship. 

Equity 

1. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.  

Finance 

1. Reports expenses and provides supporting documentation. 
2. Adheres to deadlines for expense reports.  

Leadership 

1. Routinely offers guidance to program/SSCC staff and the representing attorney through participation in case staffings, court hearings, mediations, pre-trial meetings, trials, and other legal discussions. 

Support Focus 

1. Coordinates improving data accuracy and makes recommendations for process improvements. 
2. Assures continuous professional growth and development by:  
3. Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings.  
4. Attends and participates in all required and other professional trainings.  
5. Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth.  

Professionalism 

1. Performs all duties within contract, state and federal regulations and company policies. 

Risk Management and Safety 

1. Completes administrative and technical activities such as reviewing legal documents, and monitoring the completion of statutorily required tasks, through the utilization of available systems, to ensure accuracy and compliance with the Texas Family Code and program practices. 
2. Prepares reports for compliance purposes as it relates to the legal status of youth in care. 

Time Management 

1. Utilizes effective time management skills and tools to work efficiently and effectively to achieve positive outcomes for children/families.   
2. Performs other duties as assigned and required to support operations.   

 

Qualifications

Education/Credentials/Licensure:  

• Bachelor's degree or associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience may be substituted.   
• Certified Paralegal (CP) certification preferred. 
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance.   

Experience:  

• A minimum of three years of experience in the child welfare industry, child placement services, quality improvement, or safety and compliance.   
• A minimum of three years of experience in a child-placing agency, in a residential child-care operation, or as a conservatorship caseworker or foster adoptive home development worker for the department.  

Clearances:  

• State Police 
• FBI 
• Child Abuse Clearances 
• CPSL Mandated Reporter-Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse training per state regulation.