Closing Date: 16th October, 2025

Description:

Brief Job Description:
This position is an attorney in the Policy Department. The Policy Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Policy Department provides legal support to DSHS and HHSC program and administrative areas in policy development, rulemaking, legislative implementation, program operations, and other general legal needs. As the legal department with the most day-to-day interaction with program areas, the Policy Department connects program areas to resources in other Legal Services departments when there is a need for specialized support. This position's primary assignment is to provide legal support to the Regulatory, Community, and Family Health Services areas of HHSC.

This position performs highly complex legal work overseeing and planning legal activities, preparing legal documents, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This work involves providing legal advice related to policy matters, including rulemaking, open meetings, and legislative interpretation.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Advises HHS system clients and OCC leadership on legal matters including the drafting, interpretation, and application of agency policy; HHS and other agency regulations in the Texas Administrative Code; state law, including the Government Code and Health and Safety Code; and federal law and regulations, including those concerning public health and welfare. (80%)
Supports or assists in the development of strategies and programs to implement legislative, programmatic, and policy initiatives. (10%)
Reviews, analyzes, and drafts legislation that may affect HHS System programs, operations, or policy. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and of agency administrative rules and regulations.
Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.
Ability to conduct hearings, to prepare opinions and briefs; to prepare cases for trial; to conduct research; to summarize findings; to interpret and apply laws; to use legal reference materials; to communicate effectively; and to provide guidance to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:
Experience in legal work as a licensed attorney. Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Additional Information:
N/A

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC. (https://ng.accesshr.hhsc.state.tx.us/user_guides/documents/Tips%20for%20Success%20When%20Applying%20at%20DFPS_%20DSHS_%20and%20HHSC.pdf)

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
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 Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. (https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/)

ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form (https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uscis.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Ffiles%2Fform%2Fi-9.pdf&data=05%7C01%7CJoann.Walker%40dfps.texas.gov%7Caeee6740fb464b51a72a08da3cff25d3%7C0915ef3812cd4561ab809c7f41bfb31e%7C0%7C0%7C637889363785375919%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vA6dFbaAUdZ6oCbSKslzR3%2F8xTEAzjkwTrQEIFYxnfU%3D&reserved=0)

Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.