Attorney IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•$10,384 - $10,677•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is an attorney in the Personnel Department, which 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, serving as legal counsel to Health and Human Services facility programs (state hospitals and state supported living centers). This includes 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. The role may assign and/or supervise the work of others. The position works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school
At least five years of experience in the practice of law
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas
Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas
Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations
Knowledge of agency administrative rules and regulations
Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis
Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software
Skill in using reasoning and logic
Skill in identifying and solving complex problems
Skill in prioritizing workloads
Skill in negotiation
Skill in litigation and caseload management
Skill in using judgment to identify courses of action
Ability to plan and organize work
Ability to conduct and advise on hearings
Ability to prepare opinions and briefs
Ability to prepare cases for trial
Ability to conduct research
Ability to summarize findings
Ability to interpret and apply laws
Ability to use legal reference materials
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to assign and/or supervise the work of others

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 external regulatory agency inquiries 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.