Program Specialist VI – Children’s Courts Liaison

Agency Overview

The Office of Court Administration (OCA) is a specialized state entity within the Judicial Branch, operating under the guidance of the Texas Supreme Court and Chief Justice. Its mission is to support effective judicial administration across Texas courts.

Role Summary

This position plays a pivotal role in supporting and managing the OCA's Children’s Courts Program, which comprises Child Support Courts (43 courts) and Child Protection Courts (30 courts). It involves direct program leadership, facilitating information exchange, reviewing case operations, and recommending improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in administering the Children’s Courts Program daily operations.
• Promote coordination between agency personnel, Regional Presiding Judges, and partner organizations.
• Oversee onboarding and offboarding processes for judges and staff with relevant divisions and Regional Judges.
• Support Regional Judges in developing and implementing best practice guidelines for courts.
• Design, organize, and deliver training events and materials for court staff and judges, including coordinating continuing legal education credits, booking presenters, and preparing manuals.
• Serve as liaison among Regional Judges and agency staff to manage timely employee performance evaluations.
• Analyze court caseloads and propose docket adjustments and court restructuring as needed.
• Collect, evaluate, and report performance data to guide program improvements and reporting accuracy.
• Provide program status updates and presentations at regional judicial meetings.
• Develop and update policy materials such as judge reference manuals.
• Represent OCA and Children’s Courts at various stakeholder and public meetings, boards, commissions, and task forces.
• Conduct site evaluations of Children’s Courts, reporting findings and recommendations for practice enhancement.
• Assess program resources requirements and ensure efficient allocation.
• Offer ongoing technical support to Child Support and Child Protection Courts and other specialty court programs.
• Manage and serve as primary contact for the Children’s Courts case management system, collaborating with Information Services divisions for system optimization.
• Oversee travel, expenditure requests, budget compliance, contract management, and claims for visiting judges within the program.
• Support collaboration efforts with local and statewide stakeholders.
• Monitor and interpret legislation affecting child welfare, child support, and family law to advise program direction.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation as required by OCA.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business administration, court administration, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Experience equivalent to at least three years in program support, management, or administration; relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Information

This is a full-time onsite position based in Austin, Texas. The incumbent is expected to work with minimal supervision and exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment. The role may include leading and directing other staff. Adherence to all OCA policies and procedures is mandatory.