Records Management Attorney

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: Records Management Attorney

Job Title: Legal Records Mgmt Attny III

Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

Department: Regional Litigation - CEN

Posting Number: 20507

Closing Date: 02/26/2027

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 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 14000 SUMMIT DR

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 DFPS Records Management Attorney maintains active knowledge of the Texas Family Code, relevant case law, state and federal laws, administrative rules, and agency policies that govern matters related to the confidentiality of DFPS records. The Records Management Attorney must have the ability to develop an expertise as to the laws, rules, and policies that govern the confidentiality of DFPS records. This attorney provides legal training to agency staff and the legal community and may provide agency representation on confidentiality matters in court cases. The position also handles subpoena issues for statewide litigation. Must be a team player and able to communicate effectively. Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Advises staff on legal matters and interprets laws, regulations, and policies.
• Advises county and district attorneys on confidentiality and subpoena matters.
• Coordinates and provides training on records, subpoena and confidentiality matters.
• Appears in court for contested legal matters.
• Assists with policy formation for records management and confidentiality issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain operations.
• Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of family law and civil practice.
• Ability to synthesize law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals to reach an appropriate interpretation of confidentiality and entitlement issues related to agency records.
• Ability to convey complex legal ideas and instructions clearly to staff and external stakeholders.
• Effective advocacy skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with agency staff and the legal community.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Two years of experience in the practice of law. Acceptable substitutions: open records experience relating to records entitlement and confidentiality matters may be substituted for the minimum licensure requirement.

Additional Information:

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

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 Auditors Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov 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.