Healthcare Attorney

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)•Austin, TX

5d•$142,211 - $184,690•Onsite

About The Position

The Healthcare Attorney provides legal and related services concerning healthcare and related matters, including legal advice and counsel, support for administration of the TRS-Care and TRS-ActiveCare health benefit plans, and matters involving HIPAA. The attorney plans and participates in legal activities, drafts legal documents, participates in hearings and trainings, and interprets laws and regulations. The role works proactively with the TRS Legal & Compliance team, executive and leadership staff, and agency employees. This is a Fellowship Program position intended for individuals who graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college or university within the last 12 months. It is a full-time, temporary, limited-term assignment not to exceed three years from the date of hire.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school obtained within the last 12 months; official college transcripts must be submitted.
No prior experience is required.
Must be licensed to practice law in Texas and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas, obtain a Texas license within six months of hire, or hold an active license in another state and be eligible for Texas licensure under Board of Law Examiners Rule XIII; Texas licensure must be obtained within six months of hire.
Knowledge of legal issues and concepts related to healthcare, employment benefits, and insurance.
Knowledge of existing and emerging U.S. and state legal and regulatory developments affecting healthcare.
Ability to perform legal research and analysis and render advice based on sound legal judgment.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for developing and advocating legal positions, giving advice, and preparing and presenting complex legal documents or reports.
Ability to analyze problems and devise effective solutions.
Skills in negotiating, mediating, and resolving conflicts.
Ability to use a Windows computer environment and Microsoft Office word processing, spreadsheet, and other business software, including electronic research tools and software for producing briefs, correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Task management and organizational skills, including prioritizing a high-volume workload in a fast-paced, changing environment, meeting deadlines, and completing detailed work accurately.
Skills in handling litigation and/or administrative hearings, motion practice, discovery and e-discovery, and drafting pleadings, briefs, motions, and affidavits.
Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
Ability to work extended and/or irregular hours and travel as needed due to internal and external obligations.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, TRS staff, and external contacts.
Ability to work effectively in a professional team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience or training in a healthcare-related field.
Experience or coursework involving contracts, insurance, or employee benefits.
Completion of relevant healthcare law coursework or clinical programs.

Responsibilities

Review, research, and provide legal advice and guidance on privacy issues related to administration of two statewide health benefit plans.
Prepare Board meeting materials and presentations.
Draft regulations and filings for submission to the Department of State.
Research and draft legal opinions.
Review and draft procurements, contracts, pleadings, and other legal documents.
Respond to records requests and subpoenas.
Research and draft legislative analyses.
Provide counsel and support for healthcare- and HIPAA-related policy development.
Evaluate processes and procedures governing proper handling of protected health information under HIPAA and state law.
Participate in Fellowship Program trainings and projects, including webinars, quarterly check-ins, classes or other learning activities, book group, projects, and mentoring.
Meet Fellowship Program deadlines and goals for completing trainings and deliverables in a timely manner.
Research, compile, and analyze data; enter data into spreadsheets, databases, and other automated applications; and prepare complex queries and reports.
Research and write memoranda addressing legal issues with recommendations and supporting analysis of applicable case law.
Review forms, correspondence, reports, and other documents for completeness and acceptability.
Review and analyze agency policies, procedures, and forms and recommend changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Complete special projects and perform related work as assigned.