Staff Attorney
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.
StatusFull-Time Staff
SupervisorExecutive Director or Supervising Attorney
Summary
Staff attorneys serve as attorneys ad litem or guardians ad litem for 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.
Primary 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
- Develop a case plan
- 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
- Second-language proficiency preferred
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, unofficial transcript, and one writing sample (maximum 10 pages in length) . 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
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Foster Care: 1 year (Preferred)
- Family Law: 1 year (Preferred)
- Litigation: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- admission to Texas State Bar (Preferred)
- Child Welfare Legal Specialist Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person