Legal Secretary III

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.

Brief Job Description:

The DFPS legal secretary works directly with attorneys from the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's office and DFPS staff. The legal secretary position maintains the confidential legal files for the children of Tarrant County who are in the conservatorship of Child Protective Services. This position is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely legal documents are produced and filed with the courts in Tarrant County in accordance with the Texas Family Code. The legal secretary conducts administrative duties for the legal unit including typing, filing, faxing, sending certified letters, answering phones, doing research and various other administrative tasks.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Performs complex legal secretarial and administrative support work for one or more Assistant District Attorneys.
• Prepares and creates accurate, thorough and professional legal documents that are filed with the court such as motions, orders and pleadings for legal cases.
• Prepares reports for the Program Administrator, the Tarrant County Child Welfare Board, and Judges. This position maintains the database for the legal unit as well as maintains complete and accurate control of legal files.
• Assists in establishing and maintaining tracking systems to ensure timely and efficient processing of all legal tasks within the unit.
• Develops and maintains appropriate and professional working relationships with Tarrant County Courts, Attorneys and CPS Program Staff.
• Ensures that all prosecutors' offices are adequately supplied and that office equipment is maintained. Answer phones and direct calls to correct staff.
• Maintains professional communication with clients, opposing counsel, agencies, and the general public. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment to accomplish assigned duties.
• Performs other duties as assigned to assist in the legal process. May train others.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Demonstrates knowledge of spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, grammar, and arithmetic.
• Ability to file and organize records chronologically. The ability to maintain and organize electronic files/documents. Ability to prioritize work and complete tasks in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ability to plan and organize workflow.
• Ability to handle telephone calls in a professional and efficient manner. Proficient in the use of Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook, HOTDOCS as well as the ability to learn the use of other computer programs; the understanding to recognize confidential information and the ability to keep that information confidential.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Notary preferred (not required) 

Initial Screening Criteria:

High school diploma. Some education beyond high school preferable (not required). Prior secretarial experience preferable (not required). Prior experience working in the legal field preferable (not required).

Additional Information:

N/A

Final Selection Criteria:

N/A 

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.

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.