Attorney

About Houston-Galveston Area Council

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The Houston-Galveston Area Council is one of the largest regional planning commissions in the country with a diverse service area of 13 counties and more than 7 million people.

We are the pulse of our region addressing issues that cross city limits and county lines every single day.

We make decisions that affect our transportation system, ensure the safety and well-being of our seniors, connect people to jobs, help families recover from natural disasters, preserve water quality for our children, and so much more.

We work to make the region a great place to live, work, and thrive.

What will I be doing?

Provide safety planning, community outreach and criminal-justice system advocacy and a limited range of civil legal services on behalf of elderly or disabled victims of crime.

Eligibility for services is determined pursuant to state grant guidelines.

• Provide information, referrals and representation to victims regarding orders of protection, powers of attorney and guardianship as well as credit restoration, public benefits, housing, and other issues arising from the abuse.
• Serve as liaison for abuse victims with law enforcement officers and prosecutors as well as Adult Protective Services caseworkers and investigators.

With client permission, will share applicable information and coordinate efforts with criminal justice agencies.

Interview clients and / or review completed intakes in order to compile and summarize critical information regarding the victim’s needs and rights as well as eligibility for any applicable remedies and / or services.

Key Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited U.S. law school and a current Texas law license in good standing.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of the law as it pertains to elder abuse and / or domestic violence.
• Direct client-service experience in at least one of the following : family law, criminal law, consumer law, public benefits or guardianship.
• Able to work independently and manage a busy client caseload.
• Able to communicate patiently and effectively with senior and disabled clients who are experiencing high stress due to being a victim of crime.
• Computer proficiency, including legal research, document assembly, and filing software.

Do you have

3 years of experience working with local government, nonprofit programs, schools or in job-related duties with the client cases described above.

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