Legal Assistant

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is a legal assistant in the Policy Department. The Policy Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Policy Department provides general legal advice and support to all agencies and programs of the health and human services system in their daily operations and policy matters including rule-making efforts, enforcement, legislative matters, and general agency guidance. As the department with the most day-to-day interaction with programs, the Policy Department can help connect programs to resources in other Legal Services departments and areas when there is a need for specialized support. During and in anticipation of legislative session, Policy attorneys provide support by assisting with bill reading, drafting, and analysis. The Policy Department is organized into five sections covering different areas of legal support: Intellectual & Developmental Disability & Behavioral Health Services and the Health & Specialty Care System; Medicaid & CHIP Services and Access & Eligibility Services; Public Health, supporting DSHS programs; Regulatory Services Division and Health, Developmental, & Independence Services; and Government Law. The Legal Assistant III performs highly complex (senior-level) legal assistant work. Responsibilities include providing support to department attorneys, tracking rule projects and other department assignments, assisting with monthly reporting, monitoring the department's email account, filing rules and other postings with the Texas Register, legal research, subpoena processing, and other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Experience in the management of a legal office or group within a legal office.
At least three years of experience as a Legal Assistant.
Knowledge of the functions and management of a legal office, of legal terminology, of state and federal laws, rules and regulations, of research methods and techniques, of administrative and court procedures, of the legislative process, and of public notice requirements.
Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems, in understanding and processing information, in the use of office equipment, and in the use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to manage a group of individuals, establish goals and objectives, devise solutions to problems, develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and prepare reports.
Ability to conduct research, to draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents, to evaluate and relate findings to cases in question, to conduct investigations, and to communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

Coordinates legal assignments to attorneys and provides legal and administrative support, including drafting and reviewing correspondence.
Enters and maintains records and information in an electronic tracking system. Assembles and analyzes information and data for department reporting and analytics purposes.
Communicates with department attorneys and agency program personnel regarding rule and other public postings. Submits postings to the Texas Register and HHS Web Services.
Conducts legal and other research for department attorneys.
Assist department attorneys with the review and processing of subpoenas.
Performs related work as assigned.