Legal Consultant

Description

Position Function:

The Legal Consultant serves as an internal legal resource supporting case management staff. The Legal Consultant will report directly to OCOK Director and Legal Consultant. This role focuses on legal research, interpretation of child welfare law, staff training, and courtroom preparation support. The position requires participation in projects that are created to enhance the performance of staff as it relates to their role in CPS litigation, and projects that are created to assist in achieving the mission of Our Community Our Kids.  

The position requires interaction with Judges who preside over CPS litigation in the catchment area of OCOK for the following counites: Grayson, Fannin, Collin, Hunt, Rockwall, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro. The position requires interaction with prosecuting attorneys who are responsible for the litigation of CPS cases in the aforementioned counties. The position does not serve as litigation counsel but provides critical guidance to ensure staff are legally prepared, confident, and effective when presenting cases in court.  

The position will also require assisting, as needed, in providing the same legal consulting responsibilities in all of the counties comprising the catchment area for which Our Community Our Kids is responsible for case management. The Legal Consultant ensures alignment with applicable federal and Texas child welfare laws, DFPS policy, and Community-Based Care requirements while promoting best practices in legal compliance and case presentation.

Working Conditions:

Will require travel to the counties of: Grayson, Fannin, Collin, Hunt, Rockwall, Ellis, Kaufman, Navarro, as well as travel to all of the counties which comprise the catchment area OCOK is responsible for case management, on an as needed basis. (Northeast 3E Region to include Collin, Grayson, Fannin, Hunt, Rockwall, Ellis, Kaufman and Navarro Counties. Southwest 3W Region to include Tarrant, Johnson, Erath, Somervell, Hood, Parker, Palo Pinto, Denton, Cooke, and Wise Counties). 

Exposure to Confidential Information:

Maintain confidentiality & follow policies related to personnel records, client records, payroll records, and ACH/OCOK’s financial records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Legal Research & Guidance

• Conduct in-depth legal research on Texas child welfare law, DFPS policy, and relevant federal requirements.
• Interpret statutes, case law, and administrative rules and translate them into practical guidance for staff.
• Provide timely, clear legal consultation to case management staff regarding case-specific legal questions.
• Monitor changes in legislation, case law, and DFPS policy and communicate implications to leadership and staff.

Court Preparation & Case Support

• Advise case management staff on effective case presentation strategies for court proceedings.
• Assist staff in organizing evidence, documentation, and testimony for hearings.
• Provide guidance on legal sufficiency of documentation and case actions.
• Conduct coaching sessions, and preparation reviews with staff.
• Collaborate with attorneys, CASA representatives, and other legal stakeholders to support case outcomes.

Training & Staff Development

• Assist the OCOK Director and Legal Consultant to train staff on:
• Court processes and expectations
• Legal documentation standards
• Testimony skills and courtroom demeanor
• DFPS and SSCC legal requirements
• Provide legal training for the OCOK Academy  

Requirements

Education: J.D. from an accredited university. Must be a member and in good standing of Texas Bar Association, or eligible to become a member.  

Experience: 3+ years of related experience.

Functional: Experience in Child Protective Services litigation. Strong knowledge of Texas child welfare laws, DFPS policies, and court processes. Ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical guidance. Excellent training, facilitation, and presentation skills. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. High level of professionalism and ethical judgment. Attaining competency in researching databases containing relevant DFPS and OCOK documentation (such as IMPACT, OneCase and CareMatch) will be required.