Legal Assistant

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Job Description:    The Legal Assistant II performs complex legal assistant work in support of the Office of the General Counsel. The positions reports to the Associate General Counsel for Regional Litigation and provides paralegal and administrative support for the Regional Litigation units statewide and otherwise supports the Office of the General Counsel. The position also interacts routinely with legal professionals and other staff within the Department; other legal professionals, and the general public.

The work involves coordinating litigation matters for the Regional Litigation units; coordinating trainings for Department attorneys and support professionals; organizing and maintain case files and reports for Regional Litigation; and, drafting Emacs, purchase orders; and related documents for Regional Litigation.

This position works with general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  
 

Essential Job Functions:    Assists in production and management of evidence, exhibits, affidavits, discovery, educational materials, pleadings, reporter’s records and court records, and other documents in accordance with the direction of the departmental attorneys.

Develops, prepares, reviews, and edits legal documents including correspondence, pleadings, motions, orders, inquiries, discovery documents, public information, and other legal documents in accordance with the direction of the departmental attorneys.

Handles and prepares correspondence and memoranda for departmental attorneys. Develops and maintains a coordinated filing and docketing system.

Interacts routinely and professionally with Department staff, including caseworkers, supervisors, program directors and program administrators, State office staff, private attorneys, judges and court personnel, community groups, professionals and expert witnesses, and the general public.

Compiles data and files as required by legal staff in a timely manner  
 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: None Required

Knowledge Skills Abilities:    

•Knowledge of legal practices and terminology.
• Knowledge of legal civil procedure.
• Knowledge of general office practices and administrative procedures.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to prepare clear and correct legal documents.
• Ability to prioritize legal deadlines and develop and maintain tracking systems.
• Ability to prepare legal correspondence and other documents.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to organize and maintain legal files and records.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.  
 

Initial Screening Criteria:    

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Three years full-time legal assistance, paralegal, legal secretarial or DFPS experience
 
 

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Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.