This attorney represents foster youth and includes serving as the attorney ad litem for the youth by representing them in administrative and legal proceedings in the foster care system. This also includes interviewing clients, reviewing records, conducting legal research, negotiating outcomes, and representing clients in administrative hearings and in state and federal judicial proceedings. In addition, the attorney provides education and training sessions about the legal rights of foster youth with foster youth with disabilities, judges, attorneys, CASA volunteers, and professionals/service providers. This position may also include representing parents with disabilities in child protective services cases on a limited basis.
Responsibilities and Duties
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Provide legal services and advice to foster youth with disabilities and parents with disabilities on a limited basis. Services and advice may include legal advocacy, negotiation, mediation, litigation and handling of administrative and court proceedings.
Respond to requests for assistance and determines eligibility for services.
Provide direction and technical assistance to Advocates, when appropriate.
Participate in case reviews and provide Advocates with direction on strategizing cases and legal issues, when appropriate.
Provide technical assistance on an on-going basis to private attorneys representing persons with disabilities
Develop materials for and conduct education and training (E&T) presentations on Disability Rights Texas's services and legal rights issues.
Travel extensively throughout the State of Texas to provide legal services to foster youth who are located across the State.
Qualifications and Skills
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Law Degree and active Texas law license
Three years previous related experience, preferably working with persons with disabilities and/or representing foster youth in foster care.
Strong and effective written, verbal and negotiating communication skills, including the ability to do so in a concise manner regarding complex issues
Demonstrated experience in public speaking and developing effective informative and persuasive presentations
Demonstrated functional knowledge of complex state and federal laws, rights protection statutes and regulations.
Willingness to take direction and independently follow through on instructions timely.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
Strong computer / technology literacy.
High commitment to service excellence while maintaining high degree of integrity, ethics and judgement.