CPS Legal Support Specialist

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.

Functional Title: CPS Legal Support Specialist 
Job Title: CPS CVS Spec IV 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Region 6B CPS Dir Del - CVS 
Posting Number: 7481 
Closing Date: 08/06/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Protective Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-19 
Salary Range: $4,020.33 - $6,335.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 70% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: CONROE 
Job Location Address: 2017 N FRAZIER STE C1 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 31D, 35L, 35M, 68X, 73A, 311A, 351L, 351M, HM, IS, NC, 183X, 230X, 683X, 783X, IV, MST, INV, ISS 
OAP12, 0149, 5821, 5822, 5832, 1N0X1, 4C0X1, 4E0X1, 14NX, 42SX, 43HX, 71SX, 0868, 66C, 47L, 66R 
67D, L24A, 001387 
 

Brief Job Description:

CPS Legal Support Specialist facilitates and expedites Child Protective services conservatorship cases to permanency through the legal system within the parameters of the Texas Family Code and the Department of Family and Protective Services policy guidelines in Montgomery and Walker County. The position develops and maintains positive and constructive working relationships between Child Protective Services and the District Courts, County Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, other law enforcement agencies, and Court Appointed Special Advocates organization. The position educates, enables, and empowers Child Protective Services caseworkers to represent Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and to protect children within the legal system. The position interacts routinely with Child Protective Services Staff, Advocacy Center staff, District Judges, County Attorney Staff, Court Administrators, attorneys, Court Appointed Special Advocates staff, law enforcement, constables, witnesses, other social, medical, and psychological agencies, facilities and practitioners in Montgomery and Walker County.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends child protection court hearings in any of the three juvenile District Courts, the nine Family Courts, or in the Child Protection Project Court in Montgomery and Walker County. Informs Child Protective Services staff and County Attorney staff of case status, legal issues, decisions, provides and interprets legal information that enables Child Protective Services staff in making responsible casework decisions in Montgomery and Walker County. Monitors Child Protective Services case recommendations to court for consistency with the Texas Family Code and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services policy and procedures in order to ensure that the agency maintains credibility with the court system in Montgomery and Walker County. Communicates with child protection management staff as it relates to issues or concerns identified in court. Assists child protection staff in the communication of new Texas Department of Family and Protective Services policies, procedures, and practices to the judicial community. Assists in the management of the DFPS Court Reports – Montgomery and Walker County mailbox. Trains caseworkers by developing curriculum and training materials, conducts the training seminars, keeps them informed of changes in the Texas Family Code and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services policy. May also assist with coordinating training seminars for attorney ad litems, county attorneys, judges in conjunction with other community agencies. Assists caseworkers with interviewing clients regarding legal issues, executing affidavits of relinquishment, affidavits of status, affidavits of waivers of interest with Child Protective Services parents; and diligent searches for parents/screens publication for accuracy in Montgomery and Walker County. May coordinate, develop and update responses to discovery requests; prepare cases for trial; locating, subpoenaing, interviewing, scheduling witnesses; researches prior legal cases, sources, statutes and judicial decisions upon request by the CPS management or the County Attorney. May develop, prepare, maintain and update trial notebooks for County Attorney, compile affidavits, exhibits and business records for trial, prepare attorneys by scheduling and meeting with fact and expert witnesses; monitor and assist with appeal of final hearing. May participate in Permanency Conferences/Family Group Conferences, legal staffings, pre-removal staffings, removal staffings, pre-trial meetings, and mediation in Montgomery and Walker County when requested. Performs other duties assigned and required to maintain unit operations. Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work related contact.  

Specific duties: prepare monthly dockets and send it to the field; attend court and check in workers for each docket; observe court hearings for issues regarding compliance with court orders, knowledge of the case, testimony, and professionalism; report to chain of command any issues that need addressing or orders that need to be elevated; respond to court personnel requests for information regarding agency policy and procedures; educates and informs the court of agency changes in procedure, policy, or current status regarding subjects such as placement, daycare, contract resources, caseloads, and CPS management assignments; communicate with the county attorney’s during the docket to ensure they are informing workers of any resets or delays with the hearing, and staffing cases regarding agency decisions, and any issues that need to be addressed on the case so that the court can be made aware; assist in obtaining copies of court orders and other documents; assist county attorney in notifying workers of resets and special hearings; track court reports turned in for timeliness and submit to the supervisor monthly; assist the county attorney’s in obtaining case information including the correct and current caseworker; assist the county attorney’s when issues arise regarding communication with the field or getting no responses for needed requests, i.e. requests for discovery, interrogatories, LIPS, staffing, affidavits for publication, witness lists, updates with case information, etc.; attend and assist with training caseworkers on court issues; assist the caseworkers with court testimony and presentation and explain policy or procedures when necessary; assist with special requests from the field when various help is needed, i.e., helping write re-file affidavits, getting 1702s completed, getting child support information, assisting in communicating and informing family/parents/attorneys in court; screen cases for drug court including gathering criminal history checks, CPS history checks, and speaking with the parents regarding eligibility for drug court; processes court reports submitted to the court report mailbox by e-filing reports and documents, looking up current parties on the case, mailing out to all parties and placements, and logging reports processed to submit to supervisor weekly.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the Texas Family Code

Knowledge of Texas Rules of Civil Procedure

Knowledge of Child Protective Services policies, guidelines, philosophy.

Knowledge of rules of discovery.

Knowledge of basic legal document preparation. 

Skill using of Microsoft Office Software and Information Management Protecting Adults and Children System.

Skill using basic office equipment (Fax machine, postage meter, copier, telephone system).

Skill in handling large caseload and meeting deadlines.

Skill in establishing priorities.

Skill in working effectively with coworkers and the general public.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to work effectively in highly stressful situations.

Ability to be flexible in responding to emergency situations on a daily basis.

Ability to type. Knowledge to create spreadsheets to track timelines for court documents 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

This position requires use of the applicant's personal motor vehicle to complete job functions. Applicants for positions must have a reliable motor vehicle, and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience handling Child Protective Services conservatorship caseload including social work skills, preparation for court hearings and testifying as an agency witness

Experience handling varied caseload and large numbers of cases with different needs.

Experience as a Child Protective Services Specialist IV or above.

Additional Information:

This position serves as the Legal Liaison for Montgomery and Walker counties.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

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.