Director, Child Welfare Legal Services

POSITION TITLE:               Director, Child Welfare Legal Services
FLSA STATUS:                    Exempt (Salaried)
DEPARTMENT:                   Texans Together
REPORTS TO:                    Vice President, Community Based Care
LOCATION:                         Houston, TX

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director, Child Welfare Legal Services provides professional guidance and expertise on the various legal rules and regulations that apply to Texans Together.  As a legal advisor, this position is responsible for ensuring that all laws and regulations are followed and leading the legal services department which consists of court liaison professionals. This position requires legal training, policy development, court-related guidance, and collaboration with external legal stakeholders without requiring courtroom representation. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in leadership, child welfare content knowledge, and critical thinking skills.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Provide legal guidance on a wide range of child welfare related issues, and at times specific legal expertise on cases for which Texans Together provides case management and placement services.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
- Advise Texans Together program staff on legal requirements including compliance with court orders, DFPS policies, and relevant laws/regulations.
- Provide legal support for adoption processes and permanency planning.
- Escalate and resolve legal problems in collaboration with DFPS and Texans Together leadership.
- Collaborate with Texans Together case managers who will be serving as witnesses in legal proceedings (formerly DFPS caseworker duties). Prepare case workers for testimony, advising them on court protocol, evidentiary requirements, and how to effectively communicate case facts and permanency recommendations to judges.
- Accompany and support Texans Together staff during their court appearances.
- Act as the primary legal liaison between Texans Together and the DFPS Region 6 courts. This may include communicating with judges, court personnel, attorneys for parents/children, and CASA regarding case status.
- Ensure court orders and requirements are clearly communicated to Texans Together staff and are implemented.
- Monitor that Texans Together meets all court deadlines, documentation standards, and hearing schedules.
- Teach and mentor caseworkers and SSCC staff on legal topics and court procedures.
- Monitor new legislation, court rulings, and policy changes in child welfare and family law. Keep the organization informed of relevant changes in Texas Family Code, DFPS rules, federal laws, and how they impact operations. Advise leadership on necessary adjustments to remain compliant with evolving laws.
- Provide direction, oversight, and performance feedback related to legal research, document preparation, case management, and other administrative and legal support functions to the legal team. Ensure the Court Liaison Paralegal’s work aligns with departmental policies, legal standards, and organizational objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. 
- Minimum five (5) years' experience working in family law, child welfare litigation, CPS legal cased, or related courtroom experience. 
- Active member of a state bar association.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience with Child Protective Services (CPS) cases, foster care/adoption law, or representing DFPS/parents/children in CPS proceedings a strong plus.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs )
- In-depth knowledge of Texas Family Code (particularly Chapters 262, 263, 264) and child welfare regulations.
- Familiarity with DFPS practices, court procedures in child protection cases, and the Community-Based Care (CBC) model including Stage I and II responsibilities.
- Demonstrated ability to litigate or appear in court, negotiate, and advocate effectively.
- Comfortable training and guiding staff to be prepared as a witness, testifying in court, and how staff should handle themselves in high-stakes hearings (e.g. termination of parental rights trials).
- Experience in legal writing, including familiarity with motions, court reports, and legal guidance documents.
- Strong verbal communication to explain complex legal concepts to non-lawyers (caseworkers, stakeholders) and to collaborate with multiple parties (judges, opposing counsel, DFPS personnel).
- Passion for child welfare and improving outcomes for children and families.
- Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team (caseworkers, program staff, leadership) and adapt as Texans Together expands its role.
- Proven ethical judgment, confidentiality, and commitment to the best interests of children in the foster care system.
- Willingness to travel regularly within Region 6A/6B (a 13-county area) for court hearings, meetings, and trainings.
WORK CONDITIONS
- Environment: Hybrid – On-site (court observation, in-office meetings), and remote work (up to two days per week when not observing court). Must be accessible and responsive during business hours even on remote days.
- Range of Schedule: Mon – Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Flexibility to manage a schedule that includes in-court days, in-office work, and remote work.
- Travel: Frequent, with travel throughout Harris County and 12 surrounding counties for court and client meetings. May require some statewide travel for training or meetings with DFPS as needed. Must reliable transportation, valid Texas Driver License, and current Auto Insurance.

DePelchin is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace.

DePelchin is committed to selecting and employing the best and most qualified person available for each job opening without unlawful discrimination of any kind. Additionally, DePelchin is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), marital or parental status, veteran status, religion, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, genetic information, or political affiliation.