Policy Attorney
About The Position
The position is an attorney in the Policy Department, which is part of the General Law and Policy Section of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Policy Department provides legal support to HHSC and DSHS program and administrative areas in policy development, rulemaking, legislative implementation, program operations, and other agency legal matters. Attorneys work closely with agency leadership and staff to analyze legal issues, support implementation of state and federal requirements, and develop practical solutions to complex policy and operational challenges. The department also collaborates closely with other Office of Chief Counsel departments to provide coordinated legal services and connect clients with specialized legal resources when needed. The Policy Department is organized into teams that support major HHS program and administrative areas, providing legal counsel on matters affecting agency programs and eligibility, public health, healthcare services, regulatory oversight, and agency operations. The position reports to the associate director for eligibility and finance or the associate director for intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, and health and specialty care systems. The position performs complex attorney work under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The work involves preparing legal documents; interpreting federal and state laws and regulations; developing, drafting, and reviewing rules and policies; reviewing contracts, grants, data requests, and legislation; rendering legal advice and counsel related to policy matters; and participating in negotiations with federal and other state agencies. The work may include providing guidance to others.
Requirements
- Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.
- At least three years’ experience in the practice of law.
- Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and of agency administrative rules and regulations.
- Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.
- Ability to prepare opinions and briefs; to conduct research, to summarize findings, to interpret and apply laws, to use legal reference materials, to communicate effectively, and to provide guidance to others.
Responsibilities
- Advises HHS system clients and OCC leadership on legal matters and the drafting, interpretation, and application of agency policy; HHS and other agency regulations in the Texas Administrative Code; state law, including, but not limited to the Government Code and Health and Safety Code; and federal law and regulation, including, but not limited to, those concerning public health and welfare.
- Supports or assists in the development of strategies and programs to implement legislative, programmatic, and policy initiatives.
- May research, draft, and/or assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration.
Benefits
- 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
- A defined benefit pension plan
- Generous time off benefits
- Numerous opportunities for career advancement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
