Job Description

Child Welfare Attorney

Location: Houston, TX 
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Chief Legal Officer

Advocate for Children. Protect Families. Change Outcomes.

A Houston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable and housing-insecure families is seeking an experienced Child Welfare Attorney. This role is focused exclusively on protecting children and strengthening families involved in the child welfare system.

The attorney will represent the organization in court proceedings related to child protection matters, permanency decisions, and foster care cases. This position plays a critical role in ensuring children remain safe while working toward stable, long-term family outcomes.

The role includes supervision of a Court Liaison Paralegal and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams serving families across the greater Houston region and surrounding counties.

Frequent local travel for court appearances and family meetings is required.

Position Overview

This attorney will serve as lead legal counsel in child welfare cases involving children placed in care due to family instability, housing insecurity, or related protective concerns.

Responsibilities include courtroom advocacy, legal strategy, permanency planning guidance, and advising internal program staff working directly with families. The position requires a strong understanding of child protection law and the ability to navigate complex, high-stakes hearings.

This is a mission-driven role for an attorney who is passionate about safeguarding children while supporting families toward reunification and long-term stability whenever possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent the organization in court hearings and child protection proceedings

• Handle contested hearings, permanency reviews, and termination matters when necessary

• Develop and execute legal strategy aligned with child safety and best-interest standards

• Prepare witnesses and present evidence in court

• Draft motions, legal briefs, court reports, and internal legal guidance

• Provide legal counsel to case managers and leadership regarding permanency planning

• Collaborate with judges, opposing counsel, guardians ad litem, and other stakeholders

• Supervise and mentor the Court Liaison Paralegal

• Support training and education initiatives related to child welfare compliance and legal standards

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

• Active Texas State Bar membership

• Minimum five (5) years of courtroom experience in:

  • Family law

  • Child welfare litigation

  • CPS-related cases

  • Or similar protective proceedings

Strongly Preferred

• Direct experience in child protection proceedings

• Familiarity with foster care, adoption law, and permanency planning

• Experience working with vulnerable or housing-insecure populations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Texas Family Code provisions related to child protection and permanency

• Demonstrated courtroom advocacy and litigation experience

• Ability to manage high-stakes hearings involving child safety and parental rights

• Strong legal writing and analytical skills

• Clear, compassionate communication style when working with families and non-legal staff

• Sound ethical judgment and strict confidentiality practices

• Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team environment

• Commitment to protecting children while working toward stable family outcomes

Work Environment & Schedule

Hybrid Schedule: Combination of court appearances, in-office collaboration, and up to two remote days per week when court is not in session.

Schedule Flexibility Required: Monday – Friday with hours varying based on court dockets and client needs.

Travel: Frequent travel within the Houston area and surrounding counties for court appearances, family meetings, and program coordination.

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