Closing Date: 13th September, 2025

Description:

The System Contracting department is a department of the Legal Services Division and supports internal clients within the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system. The System Contracting Department is hiring a non-litigation Attorney III. The successful candidate will collaborate with HHS system managers, leadership, and procurement professionals on a wide variety of healthcare contracts that impact the daily lives of Texans. Experience with contract drafting, review and negotiation is preferred, but not required.

Official Job Description:
Performs highly complex (senior-level) legal duties with respect to the HHS system's procurements, grants, contracting, and enforcement of contracts to ensure agency and contractor compliance with state and federal laws and regulations regarding contracts. The HHS system includes the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services.

Provides legal review, drafting, advice and opinions on contracts, grants, and procurement matters. Represents the HHS system in procurement matters, contract negotiations and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by HHS system leadership.

Participates in projects that may include development of policies, rules, procedures and forms, review and implementation of legislative changes.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(50%) Negotiates and provides assistance to HHS system staff drafting contracts and solicitation documents (including, but not limited to, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Offers, Requests for Qualifications, Requests for Applications, and Invitations for Bids) in accordance with the HHS system's legal authority and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to contracts and contract management.
(40%) Advises HHS system staff and leadership on federal and state contract laws and regulations. Reviews and drafts legal instruments and regulations and provides legal advice regarding contracting, procurement, and contract enforcement. Provides legal assistance on adverse actions involving contracts. Consults with HHS system leadership concerning legal ramifications of possible changes in overall contract practices and procedures. Represents the HHS system in procurement matters, contract negotiations, and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by HHS system leadership.
(10%) Performs additional duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, drafting substantive legal documents, including opinions, briefs, and memoranda that include analysis of legal authority under state and federal law; and both proposed and enacted state and federal legislation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Knowledge of fundamentals of contract law, government procurement law, and Texas state agency contracts. Knowledge in reviewing, developing, negotiating, and management of contracts and grants. Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings. Knowledge of federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies affecting the HHS system. Knowledge of Texas procurement and contracting laws.

Skill in efficient legal research including use of Westlaw and other internet legal research. Skill in conducting research, summarizing findings, and using legal reference materials. Skill in foreseeing legal implications of contract terms and procurement and contract actions and providing legal advice accordingly.

Exceptionally skilled in oral and written communication to a wide range of audiences. Skill in identifying relevant legal issues. Skill in organizing and expressing complex legal problems clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Skill in preparing opinions, contracts, rules, and policies and procedures. Skill in preparing high quality, complex procurement and contractual documents. Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions. Skill in demonstrating sound judgment and reasonable tolerance of ambiguity in the performance of job duties.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with clients, other government leadership and employees, and stakeholder groups. Skill in operating a personal computer and other basic office equipment. Skill in articulating legal concepts to staff, management, leadership, and other stakeholders.

Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities. Ability to utilize legal experience and training to assist in developing policies and training to safeguard funds flowing to the agency, minimize liability and avoid risk to clients. Ability to analyze moderately complex to advanced factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws. Ability to make efficient use of time and resources. Ability to think creatively and apply clear, logical problem-solving techniques. Ability to maintain professional and collegial relations with all levels of management and staff at the Commission, as well as with other agencies' management and staff and the public.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.