Closing Date: 3rd August, 2026

Description:

Brief Job Description

Performs advanced (senior-level) legal work as the Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) staff attorney providing in-house legal and administrative services to TCCO based on the current needs of the agency. Work involves providing legal advice to agency board members and agency staff on matters involving civil commitment law, open government, contracting, employment and legislative changes. Plans, assigns, and/or supervises the work of others. Serves as the agency's ethics advisor and Public Information Officer. Acts as the agency's liaison with the Special Prosecutions Unit and the Independent Office of Inmate Counsel regarding civil commitment processes and cases. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provides legal counsel and advice to the Executive Director and the agency's governing board. Manages litigation including interacting with the Office of Attorney General in monitoring cases and recommending strategies for litigation cases and all legal issues and functions. Oversees the preparation of legal opinions and briefs.

Maintains a thorough knowledge of agency policies, procedures and programming. Provides legal advice and legal opinions on policy decision-making and identifies appropriate legal solutions. Drafts and reviews legal documents, administrative rules, and bills for legislative consideration.

Formulates, coordinates and establishes the development and implementation of agency policies and procedure. Participates in the agency's strategic planning process. Provides legal consultation and expertise to the Executive Director and governing board to identify and manage strategic risks. Consults with agency management to develop appropriate solutions to the legal needs of agency operations. Serves on various agency committees and task forces; testifies at hearings and legislative meetings.

Serves as the agency's legal counsel for contracting. Approves draft solicitations for procurement. Drafts agency contracts and maintains a thorough knowledge of all agency contracts. Provides legal advice regarding contract issues and identifies appropriate legal solutions.

Prepares, reviews, edits, and approves agency reports and studies. Drafts and reviews legal documents, administrative rules, and bills for legislative consideration. Reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration. Conducts interviews and testifies at hearings. Prepare cases for trial. Confers with legislators, legislative staff, other state agencies and federal entities in accordance with direction from executive leadership.

Acts as agency Public Information Officer, responsible for the coordination and response to all public information act requests and release of agency information. May act as agency spokesperson or representative in interviews with members of the media.

Hires, manages, and develops staff, and recommends appropriate personnel actions to foster a fair, honest and equitable work environment. Provides direct reports with work assignments, clear direction and information on responsibilities and work performance expectations, and carries out other expected human resources and supervisory activities relating to direct reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques; contracting; and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Skill in planning, organizing, and managing legal services.
Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Skill in conducting legal analysis. Skill in interpreting and applying statutes and regulations. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
Skill in communicating orally and in writing.
Skill in planning and assigning the work of self and others.
Skill in legal writing.
Ability to plan and organize work.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to plan, assign, or supervise the work of others.
Ability to direct and organize the effective and efficient provision of legal services.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Must possess a license to practice law in the state of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Experience practicing government or administrative law. Public information act request experience preferred, state experience preferred.

Additional Information:
Candidates selected for interview will be required to submit a writing sample.

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.

ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the agency provides 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 is not eligible for telework.