Closing Date: 14th October, 2026
Description:
Brief Job Description:The data governance attorney provides expert legal guidance and support to Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system agencies on matters related to data governance, compliance, privacy, and information management. This role includes advising on state and federal regulatory compliance, reviewing and advising on data sharing agreements and other contracts, and supporting HHS system policies and initiatives to ensure ethical, legal, and secure data handling practices.
This position is in the Open Records and Data Governance Department of the Legal Services Division within the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The HHS Office of Chief Counsel and its Legal Services Division provide legal services to the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services. This position would provide legal advice to the Privacy Division in the Office of Chief Counsel.
The attorney would perform moderately complex (journey-level) attorney work involving rendering legal advice and counsel, interpreting laws and regulation, overseeing and planning legal activities, and preparing legal documents.
Essential Job Functions:
- (60%) Advises HHS system on legal matters related to privacy, data usage, sharing, and management.
- (25%) Reviews and negotiates agreements involving data sharing and data security.
- (10%) Provides legal support to HHS system response to data breaches or security incidents.
- (5%) Performs related work as assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of: privacy; data governance; legal principles, practices, and proceedings; and of laws, regulations, and rules related to the health and human services agencies.
Skill in: legal research, writing, and analysis; using a computer and applicable software; using reasoning and logic; identifying and solving complex problems; prioritizing workloads; and using judgment to identify courses of action.
Ability to: study and evaluate processes and make recommendations, prepare opinions and briefs, conduct research, summarize findings, interpret and apply laws, use legal reference materials, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and supervise the work of others.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Experience in legal work. Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
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/)
