Enforcement Attorney

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

13d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is Austin, Texas based and 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 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

Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis
Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines
Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment
Knowledge of Administrative Procedures Act as well as civil trial practice
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
Currently licensed to practice law in Texas.
Must have a JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school and admission to the State Bar of Texas

Nice To Haves

Administrative law experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provides legal representation, consultation, and support to program areas across the Health and Human Services system.
Consults with program staff on complex issues of law.
Reviews, develops, and conducts training.
Researches and briefs relevant legal issues.
Reviews policies, rules, regulations, and forms for compliance with legal standards.
Manages caseloads.
Prepares cases for trial.
Represents HHSC at hearings.
Independently represents clients at hearings governed by the Administrative Procedures Act from docketing to completion, including analyzing evidence and preparing case strategies; preparing and serving discovery requests; responding to discovery; preparing and responding to motions; identifying and preparing witnesses; conducting depositions; and representing the agency at hearing.