Healthcare Attorney

Teacher Retirement System of Texas•Austin, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Healthcare Attorney provides legal and related services concerning healthcare matters, including legal advice and counsel for the administration of the TRS-Care and TRS-ActiveCare health benefit plans. The position supports HIPAA and privacy matters, plans and participates in legal activities, prepares legal documents, participates in hearings and trainings, and interprets laws and regulations. The attorney works with the TRS Legal & Compliance team, executive and leadership staff, and agency employees. This is a full-time, temporary Fellowship Program assignment limited to no more than three years from the date of hire. It is intended for individuals who graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college or university within the prior 12 months. Fellowship activities include trainings, projects, webinars, quarterly check-ins, classes and other learning activities, a book group, and mentoring.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school obtained within the last 12 months.
Submit a copy of official college transcripts.
Be licensed to practice law in Texas and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas, or obtain a Texas law license within six months of hire; alternatively, hold a valid, active law license from another state and be eligible for Texas licensure under Board of Law Examiners Rule XIII, with a Texas license obtained within six months of hire.
Perform legal research and analysis and render advice based on sound legal judgment.
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including developing and advocating legal positions, giving advice, and preparing and presenting complex legal documents or reports.
Analyze problems and devise effective solutions.
Negotiate, mediate, and resolve conflicts.
Use Windows and Microsoft Office word processing, spreadsheet, and other business software, including electronic research software and tools for producing briefs, correspondence, reports, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Manage and organize tasks, prioritize a high-volume workload in a fast-paced and changing environment, meet deadlines, and complete detailed work accurately.
Handle litigation and/or administrative hearings, motion practice, discovery and e-discovery, and draft pleadings, briefs, motions, and affidavits.
Manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
Work extended and/or irregular hours and travel as needed due to internal and external obligations.
Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with co-workers, TRS staff, and external contacts.
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.
Knowledge of legal issues and concepts in healthcare, employment benefits, and insurance.
Knowledge of existing and emerging U.S. and state legal and regulatory developments affecting healthcare.

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 policy development related to healthcare and HIPAA matters.
Evaluate processes and procedures for handling protected health information under HIPAA and state law.
Participate in Fellowship Program trainings and projects and meet program deadlines and completion goals.
Research, compile, and analyze data; enter data into spreadsheets, databases, and other automated applications; and prepare complex queries and reports.
Write memoranda addressing legal issues, 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 related work as assigned.