Legal CPS Regional Attorney III

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.  

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Legal CPS Regional Attorney III 
Job Title: Legal CPS Regional Attny III 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Regional Litigation - CPS DD 
Posting Number: 21266 
Closing Date: 03/11/2027 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Legal 
Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $10,785.83 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 35% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: WACO 
Job Location Address: 801 AUSTIN AVE STE B-30 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,51JX,92J0,LGL10,LGL11 
 
 
 

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected: children, elderly, and people with disabilities, from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS is a qualifying organization for the Service Loan Forgiveness Program. DFPS also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as Texasaver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. As an additional benefit you will receive 12 days of paid annual leave, 12 sick days, and the potential to earn up to four days of administrative leave each year. Your annual paid leave accrual increases as your tenure increases.

The Legal CPS Regional Attorney III provides direct representation in court for CPS in legal cases. The position provides expertise, guidance, and instruction in family law, civil litigation, and agency policy. The position monitors the progress of all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services court cases within the assigned area of responsibility and takes appropriate measures to ensure the timely and appropriate resolution of those cases. The position interacts routinely with caseworkers, supervisors, program directors and program administrators; agency attorneys, county and district attorneys, and opposing counsel; judges; agency clients, witnesses, community professionals, and expert witnesses; and protective services clients and the general public. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Advises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.
• Advises county and district attorneys on legal matters.
• Provides agency representation in court cases.
• Prepares cases for trial and handles the trial on most cases.
• Provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community.
• Coordinates specialized legal efforts with appropriate experts.
• Prepares or supervises the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, legal pleadings, and reports.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.
• Assists in formulating, establishing, and coordinating office systems.
• Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of family law and civil practice.

Ability to synthesize the law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation.

Ability to convey complex legal ideas and instructions clearly to staff.

Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with agency staff and the legal community.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduated from an accredited law school. Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Work experience in Family Law or Child Welfare Law. 

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at [email protected] with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by 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. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.