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Job Description:

CPS Legal Asst Admin Asst IV

The purpose of the position is to perform legal, secretarial and general administrative work for the regional legal offices and/or for local prosecutors who represent the Department. The position provides skilled secretarial support for attorneys who litigate Child Protective Services (CPS)cases. The position interacts routinely with Court coordinators, district and county clerks, District and County Attorneys’ offices, the Attorney General’s office, attorneys, State and County agencies, DFPS staff and the general public.  

Essential Job Functions:

• Draft, prepare and review pleadings, motions, petitions, exhibits and other legal documents for CPS cases.

• Review and prepare legal correspondence, set up and maintain legal files and answer telephone inquiries relating to agency litigation, records requests and other legal matters.

• File original pleadings and orders with District/County clerks, copy, fax and route petitions, orders and various legal documents to all parties.

• Type and proofread legal and administrative memos, reports and other documents.

• Update case tracking database to reflect case status and attorney assignments and circulate reports.

• Schedule legal staffings with caseworkers and attorneys, mediation, and depositions; send notices to all parties.

• Review and process mail for legal staff and updates attorney calendars.

• Attend court as required by attorneys.

• Perform other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.

• Promote and demonstrate appropriate respect for cultural diversity among coworkers and all work-related contacts.

• Attend work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
 
Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of legal practices and terminology.

• Knowledge of drafting and filing legal documents in a civil law suit.

• Knowledge of process of service in a civil law suit.

• Knowledge of general office practices and administrative procedures.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.

• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.

• Ability to operate a personal computer and other office equipment.

• Ability to prepare legal correspondence and other documents.

• Ability to organize and maintain legal files and records.

• Ability to work in a stressful environment and manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.  

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

None required, but Notary Public is preferred.  
Initial Selection Criteria:
• Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Some education beyond high school preferable. Prior secretarial and paralegal experience preferred
 
Additional Information:

Physical requirements for this position include the ability to drive a vehicle, lift and carry objects, operate a computer, including operating word processing, data management and other computer software, to be capable of reading and verbal and written communication and to operate office machinery and equipment, including faxes, copiers and printers.

Interview Requirements:

Any candidate who is called to an agency for an interview must notify the interviewing agency in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 27D, LN, 4400, and 5J0X1. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx.
 
MOS Code:

27D, LN, 4400, and 5J0X1  
As a state agency, DFPS is required 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.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.