Legal Liaison (Dallas)

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 

1.  Support/Service Delivery 
   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. 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.
   4. Collaborates with DFPS/SSCC staff to ensure documentation of legal actions and tasks have been completed.
   5. Utilizes effective time management skills and tools to work efficiently and effectively to achieve positive outcomes for children/families.   
   6. Performs other duties as assigned and required to support operations.
2. Quality Improvement
   1. Works closely with the Quality Assurance team on performance measures for continuous improvement.
   2. Coordinates improving data accuracy and makes recommendations for process improvements. 
3. Communication 
   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.
4. Growth 
   1. Assures continuous professional growth and development by: 
   2. Actively participates in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings. 
   3. Attends and participates in all required and other professional trainings.
   4. Independently seeks out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth. 
5. Supervision 
   1. Receives supervision. 
      1. Receives supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters. 
6. Leadership 
   1. Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.
7. Community Engagement 
   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.
8. Documentation 
   1. Utilizes systems efficiently and effectively to accurately document legal documentation, research, planning, policy, program assessments, and administrative activities related to program assignment.
   2. 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.
   3. Prepares reports for compliance purposes as it relates to the legal status of youth in care.
9. Finance/Budget
   1. Reports expenses and provides supporting documentation. 
   2. Adheres to deadlines for expense reports.
10. Risk Management and Safety 
    1. Performs all duties within contract, state and federal regulations and company policies.

Qualifications 

1. Education/Credentials/Licensure: 
   1. Requires a associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience may be substituted.  
   2. Certified Paralegal (CP) certification preferred. 
   3.  Requires a valid state driver’s license and safe driving record. 
   4. Requires reliable transportation and current auto insurance.
2. Experience:  
   1. Requires three (3) years of experience in the child welfare industry, child placement services, quality improvement, or safety and compliance.  
   2. Requires three (3) 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.  
3. Clearances: 
   1. DPS
   2. DFPS
   3. FBI
   4. CBCU Eligibility Determination
   5. Child Abuse Clearances 

Working Conditions 

1. Physical Demands
   1. This position requires operating a keypad device 50% of the day and electronic/office equipment 50% of the day. Travel is required approximately 5 times per month and works in weather conditions about 25% of the day. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. Walking is required 10% of the day. Standing occurs 10% of the day. Sitting happens 80% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts 15 pounds, 4 times per day. The maximum lift is 50 pounds, 1 time per day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  
2. Mental Demands
   1. Frequently performs multiple tasks and makes quick decisions.  
   2. Occasionally handles distractions and a diversity of problems.  
   3. Continually need to concentrate. 
3. Environmental Factors
   1. Office environment. 
4. Working Hours
   1. Traditional 40-hour work week. 

Qualifications Education Required Associates or better. Preferred Bachelors or better. Experience Required Experience in the child welfare industry, child placement services, quality improvement, or safety and compliance. 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. Equal Opportunity Employer
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