Job Description:

This position is an attorney 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. This position is with the Regulatory, Community, and Family Health Services section of the Policy Department.

This position performs highly complex legal work overseeing and planning legal activities, preparing legal documents, participating in hearings, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This work involves providing legal advice related to policy matters, including rulemaking, open meetings, and legislative interpretation.

Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(80%) 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.

(10%) Assists in formulating, coordinating, and establishing policies and procedures.

(10%) May research, draft, and/or assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

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 conduct hearings, to prepare opinions and briefs, to prepare cases for trial, 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.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Experience in legal work.
Experience in legal principles, practices, and proceedings.
Experience in administrative law.
Experience with administrative rulemaking.
Experience in conducting research in preparing opinions, rules, and policies related to administrative law.
Experience in conducting research.

Additional Information:

MOS Code:

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 27A, 27B, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 51JX. All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

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