Attorney IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

37d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. 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. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. This position is an attorney in the Enforcement Department. The Enforcement Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Enforcement Department provides legal support related to HHS sanctions against facilities, programs, and services, including reviewing and drafting notices, correspondence, and guidance documents; interpreting state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; rendering legal advice and counsel to HHS agency personnel; providing legal representation in contested case proceedings, and overseeing enforcement litigation in district courts. The position serves as legal counsel for the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services and is responsible for representing HHSC and DSHS in contested cases governed by the Administrative Procedure Act before the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the Health and Human Services Commission Appeals Division. The position is required to independently handle a busy docket of cases and should be experienced in and knowledgeable of litigation. The attorney advises program staff daily and helps them evaluate the legal sufficiency of proposed sanctions. The attorney also routinely provides training and consultation to HHSC staff regarding hearing processes.

Requirements

Knowledge of Administrative Procedures Act as well as civil trial practice
Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis
Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines
Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment Skilled in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions
Skilled in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both verbally and in writing
Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff and the public
Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws
Ability to use computer applications and databases related to essential functions of the job, including computer assisted legal research, and word processing software.
Applicants must be licensed and in good standing to practice law in Texas.
Must have a JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school and at least two years of experience in the practice of law.

Nice To Haves

Administrative law experience preferred.
Experience in civil trials and administrative hearings under the Administrative Procedure Act is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manages assigned cases, prepares cases for hearing, and resolves cases either through administrative hearing or settlement.
Provides legal consultations to HHSC staff.
Works closely with the Office of the Attorney General and/or HHSC attorneys who handle legal proceedings related to enforcement actions on behalf of HHSC.
Participates in special projects, updates case management systems, provides HHSC staff legal trainings and performs other duties as assigned.