Attorney IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•El Paso, TX

43d

About The Position

This position is an attorney in the Personnel Department. The Personnel Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Personnel Department provides legal support on personnel and employment law matters affecting HHS state offices and programs, including the state operated facilities of the HHSC Health and Specialty Care System. This position performs highly complex (senior-level) attorney work. Serves as legal counsel to Health and Human Services facility programs (state hospitals and state supported living centers), including providing legal advice on employment law and personnel issues. Work involves organizing and planning legal activities, coordinating the preparation of legal documents, coordinating and providing advice regarding various hearings, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. May assign and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

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; in negotiation; in litigation and caseload management; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.
Ability to plan and organize work; to conduct and advise on 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 assign and/or supervise the work of others.
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Must have a JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school and at least four years of experience in the practice of law.

Nice To Haves

Employment law experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Advises agency management and staff on a variety of legal matters concerning human resource management, personnel issues, and related policies and laws, including the interpretation and application of state and federal laws and regulations. Advises agency management on issues involving legal risks.
Reviews, drafts, and comments on legislation, statutes, rules, policies, and regulations related to agency operations, human resources, and employment law issues. Collaborates and consults with various program areas and departments. Assists in responding during extenal regulatory agency inquires and proceedings. Conducts legal research for policy and process questions. Prepares and renders legal opinions interpreting court cases, statutes, regulations, and Attorney General opinions. Assists with the review of alleged policy or law violations and performs other duties as assigned.
Provides legal support and advice to Human Resources and identifies appropriate legal solutions. Provides input and guidance on the development of agency policies. Provides and/or assists with training for agency staff. Participates in work groups and special projects.
Represents the agency in administrative hearings related to employment law. Performs related legal work and prepares and/or reviews related legal documents.
Travel, primarily in state.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more.

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