Staff Attorney

Foster Care Advocacy Center; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Foster Care Advocacy Center seeks a Staff Attorney to provide advocacy for children and parents involved with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Ideal candidates will excel in litigation, have strong communication skills, and be committed to improving outcomes in child welfare cases.

Benefits

Full benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Admitted to Texas Bar or awaiting admission.
• Interest in child welfare law or related disciplines required.
• Practical experience with client population essential.

Responsibilities

• Advocate effectively for clients in court and mediation.
• Interview and counsel clients on their legal rights.
• Maintain updated case data and client legal notes.

Skills

Strong writing and oral advocacy

Litigation and trial skills

Professionalism

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Admission to Texas Bar

Child Welfare Legal Specialist certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Dropbox

Job description

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Foster Care Advocacy Center (FCAC) is a nonprofit legal services organization that provides holistic, multidisciplinary representation for children and parents involved in the child welfare system in the greater Houston area. FCAC focuses on providing quality legal services, reducing the time children spend in foster care, helping individuals access services to stabilize families, preventing unnecessary removals of children, and advocating for systemic change. We believe that every individual who touches the child welfare system deserves the highest quality representation and recognize that some children and families face more barriers than others. FCAC’s multidisciplinary approach helps individuals navigate difficult systems and secure necessary services. We strive to assist those in the toughest situations by tackling complex issues with trauma-informed teams. We promote interdisciplinary collaboration within our staff and value diverse experience that equips staff to better serve our clients. FCAC is continually working to develop partnerships with community-based providers and advocates to holistically address the needs of children and families involved with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Status

Full-Time Staff

Executive Director or Supervising Attorney

Summary

Staff attorneys serve as attorneysad litemor guardiansad litemfor children and parents involved with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. FCAC attorneys must build professional and trusting relationships with clients, counsel clients in a developmentally appropriate manner, and provide superb legal advocacy in and out of court, including in ancillary legal matters.

Responsibilities

• Meet with the client in a setting comfortable and appropriate for the client to discuss the client’s wishes and issues related to the case
• Interview and counsel clients on their legal rights, options, and the potential consequences of decisions
• Participate in all court proceedings, negotiations, and mediations
• Assist clients in preparing for and participating in court proceedings, mediations, and out-of-court advocacy efforts
• Attend case planning meetings facilitated by the Department of Family and Protective Services, such as Permanency Conferences, Circles of Support, and Family Team Meetings
• Obtain and review all relevant records
• Conduct discovery as appropriate
• Zealously advocate for the client, including filing motions, preparing court orders, presenting evidence, and making recommendations to the court
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff to achieve case goals
• Conduct out-of-court advocacy on collateral legal matters, such as Medicaid, special education, and juvenile justice issues
• Communicate regularly with case contacts, such as foster parents, case workers, service providers and other legal counsel
• Maintain updated case data, client legal notes, and legal files
• Identify systemic issues and participate in advocacy efforts
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to the Texas Bar or awaiting admission
• Child Welfare Legal Specialist certification preferred
• Strong writing and oral advocacy
• Litigation and trial skills
• Demonstrated interest in child welfare law or related disciplines, such as juvenile law, criminal defense, civil legal services, disability rights law, special education law, civil rights law, and immigration defense
• Professionalism and ability to collaborate across disciplines
• Self-reflective interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team, including embracing the challenges and changes inherent in a nonprofit startup
• Practical experience engaging with the client population
• Willingness to meet clients and other partners in community settings
• Excellent organizational skills
• Self-motivation, including ability to independently manage schedule and case tasks
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to use the latest technology, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Dropbox, etc.
• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to use of an automobile as needed

Compensation and Benefits

Full benefits package available, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and generous paid time off.

Attorneys joining FCAC can expect intensive, interdisciplinary training on Texas child welfare law, trauma-informed practices, complex ancillary legal issues, and litigation skills. FCAC is dedicated to maintaining a diverse, supportive, and sustainable work environment. The organization is also committed to equitably providing ongoing professional development for all staff.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter, 1-2 page resume to:

[e-mail]

Please include salary requirements in the cover letter. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates will be notified only if they are selected for a telephone or in-office interview.

Foster Care Advocacy Center is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in access and inclusion of multiple dimensions of diversity, including race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, and disability. We are committed to implementing equitable practices and promoting diversity at all levels of our organization.

Job Type:

Full-time

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Foster Care: 1 year (Preferred)
• Family Law: 1 year (Preferred)
• Litigation: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• admission to Texas State Bar
• Child Welfare Legal Specialist Certification (Preferred)

Work Location:

Hybrid

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Legal Services

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