Closing Date: 21st November, 2025

Description:

Brief Job Description:
This position is an attorney in the Enforcement Department. The Enforcement Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. This attorney position in the Enforcement Department provides legal support related to childcare regulation (CCR). The subjects of the contested case hearings include enforcement actions against childcare permits and childcare administrator's licenses. The Attorney IV performs complex legal work involving enforcement actions by HHSC and is responsible for providing consultation services to HHSC clients and legal representation of HHSC in contested case proceedings. This position is also responsible for interpreting laws, regulations, and rules; preparing legal documents; rendering legal advice; consulting with attorneys; providing legal training and preparing cases for hearings.

The position serves as legal counsel for the Health and Human Services Commission and is responsible for representing HHSC in contested cases governed by the Administrative Procedure Act before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. The position is required to independently handle a busy docket of cases and should be experienced in and knowledgeable of litigation. The attorney advises program staff daily and helps them evaluate the legal sufficiency of proposed sanctions. The attorney also routinely provides training and consultation to HHSC staff regarding hearing processes. The attorney may serve on workgroups responsible for reviewing and drafting enforcement policies, procedures, and rules in order to effectively implement statutory obligations. The attorney works under limited direction with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

This attorney position provides legal representation, consultation, and support to program areas across the Health and Human Services system. Attorneys are required to: consult with program staff on complex issues of law; review, develop, and conduct training; research and brief relevant legal issues; review policies, rules, regulations, and forms for compliance with legal standards; manage caseloads; prepare cases for trial; and represent HHSC at hearings. Attorneys are required to independently represent clients at hearings governed by the Administrative Procedures Act from docketing to completion, including: analyzing evidence and preparing case strategies; preparing and serving discovery requests; responding to discovery; preparing and responding to motions; identifying and preparing witnesses; conducting depositions; and representing the agency at hearing.
Manages assigned cases, prepares cases for hearing, and resolves cases either through administrative hearing or settlement. 70%
Provides legal consultations to HHSC staff. 15%
Works closely with the Office of the Attorney General and/or HHSC attorneys who handle legal proceedings related to enforcement actions on behalf of HHSC. 5%
Participates in special projects, updates case management systems, provides HHSC staff legal trainings and performs other duties as assigned. 10%

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of Administrative Procedures Act as well as civil trial practice
Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis
Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines
Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment
Skilled in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions
Skilled in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both verbally and in writing
Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff and the public
Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws
Ability to use computer applications and databases related to essential functions of the job, including computer assisted legal research, and word processing software.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:
Must have a JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school and at least two years of experience in the practice of law. Administrative law experience preferred.