OCA - Associate Judge (Child Protection Court - Midland)

The Office of Court Administration (OCA) is a unique state agency in the Judicial Branch that operates under the direction and supervision of the Supreme Court of Texas and the Chief Justice. Our mission is to provide resources and information for the efficient administration of the Judicial Branch of Texas.

To learn more about the OCA, visit our website.

Job Description :

The primary duties of this position are to conduct hearings and recommend orders and judgments to be made in child abuse and neglect cases under Chapter 262 and 263 of the Texas Family Code. Works under limited direction from the Presiding Judge of the 7th Administrative Judicial Region, with extensive latitude for the use of independent judgment in performing the assigned duties. Serves Andrews, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Martin, and Midland counties.

Note: Pursuant to Sec. 201.101(b) of the Family Code (effective September 1, 2015), the appointment of an associate judge for this position is for a four- year term from the date the associate judge is appointed and qualifies for office. The appointment for a term does not affect the at-will employment status of the associate judge.

Please note that this job posting can be closed without notice and earlier than the closing date indicated in the posting if a suitable candidate is identified. Applicants are encouraged to submit a completed application promptly.

Essential Job Functions:

• Performs highly responsible hearing officer and legal duties.

• Conduct hearings in Child Protective Services cases.

• Make findings of fact, formulate conclusions of law, and recommend orders to be rendered in cases filed under Chapters 262 and 263 of the Texas Family Code.

• Ensure that cases are completed within the time specified in Chapters 262 (Procedures in Suit by Governmental Entity to Protect Health and Safety of Child) and 263 (Review of Placement of Children) of the Texas Family Code.

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of the child protection court’s court coordinator.

• Prepare or supervise preparation of special and annual reports documenting the court’s case dispositions and pertinent statistical analysis.

• Adhere to Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the Code of Judicial Conduct in performing duties.

• Ordinarily, travel is not required outside of the court’s assigned counties, but an Associate Judge may be assigned temporarily to assist in another county.