Deputy Chief Counsel

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Chief Counsel for Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) provides leadership, guidance, and oversight of the OIG’s legal activities in support of the OIG’s mission, goals, and objectives. Provides advice and counsel regarding complex legal and policy matters to OIG executive leadership and program areas. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) managerial work providing direction and guidance on strategic planning and operations. Assists with developing and directing OIG's legal strategy and services. Interprets laws, regulations, and rules; and oversees the drafting of legal documents, rendering of legal advice and counsel, and preparation of cases for hearings and trials. Handles special projects. Engages in policy development and rulemaking.
Directs the day-to-day legal operations of the Chief Counsel Division, comprising the Office of Legal Counsel, Litigation, and Financial Analysis and Case Management, and Administration sections. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Interacts routinely with OIG and HHS leadership, state and federal agencies, elected officials, and legislators. Liaises with the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and Healthcare Program Enforcement Division (HPED).
Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Licensed in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Knowledge and expertise in legal principles and practices.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations related to health and human services programs, including Medicaid.
• Knowledge of federal or state civil qui tam lawsuits.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and leadership.
• Knowledge of state contracting and procurement processes, policies, and applicable law.
• Knowledge of trial and/or administrative hearings procedures.
• Knowledge of federal and state rules of civil procedure and evidence.
• Knowledge of employment law, policy, and procedure.
• Skill in personnel management and development.
• Skill in communicating orally and in writing.
• Skill in legal research, analysis, and writing.
• Skill in interpreting and applying statutes and regulations.
• Skill in handling multiple projects, setting priorities, and meeting tight deadlines.
• Skill in planning, assigning, and supervising the work of others.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to evaluate and develop policies and procedures.
• Ability to train, coordinate, and lead the work of others.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in appraising situations and to make sound decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Juris doctorate degree from a law school approved by the Supreme Court of Texas.
• Fifteen (15) years as a licensed attorney.
• Five (5) years of experience supervising or oversight of attorneys, investigators, or auditor staff.
• Ten (10) years of experience in criminal, civil, or administrative litigation or enforcement actions.
• Ten (10) years of experience advising management or executive leadership.

Nice To Haves

• An additional five (5) years of experience supervising or oversight of attorneys, investigators, or auditor staff (for a total of ten (10) years of experience).
• Five years of experience in fraud, waste, and abuse investigations or litigation.
• Five years of experience in healthcare fraud investigations or litigation.

Responsibilities

• Directs the day-to-day operations of OIG’s Chief Counsel Division (CCD). Evaluates the CCD’s administrative operations and provision of legal services. Identifies resources needed, such as new technologies, training, and staff. Oversees process improvements. Develops, reviews, and approves budgets and major procurements and ensures that funding source requirements are met. Develops and oversees strategic initiatives. Reviews and approves management, operational, productivity, and financial reports. Conducts salary reviews, evaluates workload and staffing needs, and recommends appropriate personnel actions in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws.
• Hires, manages, and develops attorneys and staff. Conducts performance evaluations and other human resources activities. Provides guidance to managers regarding personnel matters, strategy, and operations of their functional areas. (30%)
• Provides legal counsel, advice, and assistance to OIG executive leadership, OIG divisions, and HHS program areas. Advises on the interpretation, application, and enforcement of agency laws and regulations. Provides legal consultation and expertise to identify and manage strategic risks. Oversees the preparation and review of complex contracts, agreements, and other legal documents. Reviews audit and investigation reports.
• Advises on and assists with legislative matters, including reviewing proposed legislation, drafting fiscal notes, bill analyses, and preparing legislative appropriation requests. Responds to legislative inquiries. May provide written or oral testimony. Oversees responses to Texas Public Information Act requests. Advises on complex requests. (30%)
• Provides oversight and guidance regarding the OIG’s administrative enforcement activities. Assists with developing and implementing litigation strategy for contested cases before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) and the Health and Human Services Commission Appeals Division. Reviews and approves settlements. Assists in representing OIG’s interest in litigation affecting the agency, including employment matters. Facilitates coordination with HHS Legal Services Division and the Texas Office of Attorney General in monitoring cases and recommending legal strategies. (30%)
• Represents the OIG at meetings, hearings, legislative proceedings, seminars, and conferences. Participates in or leads panels, workgroups, task forces, and committees. Conducts presentations, provides information and testimony to HHS agencies, legislative committees, state and federal agencies, and other groups and organizations regarding OIG. (5%)
• Performs other duties as assigned. Keeps manager informed as required or as necessary. (5%)

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree