General Counsel III
Job Description
This position provides primary legal advice and support to the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative (TPI) Board and TPI staff across the full range of state agency legal work, including general agency guidance, legal research and analysis, policy development, and advising on open government, procurement and contracting, legislative, litigation, and personnel matters. The TPI was established by the 88th Legislature to improve access to low-cost pharmaceuticals.
The position works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The work involves overseeing and planning legal activities; preparing legal documents; interpreting federal and state laws and regulations; developing, drafting, reviewing and approving 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.
This position will supervise non-legal staff.
Essential Job Functions
Advises TPI board and staff on legal matters and the interpretation and application of agency policy; state law, including, but not limited to the Government Code and Health and Safety Code, and rules; and federal law and regulations, including, but not limited to, those concerning public health and welfare, open records, human resources, rulemaking, and the Open Meetings Act. (60%)
Supports or assists in the development of strategies and programs to implement legislative, programmatic, and policy initiatives. (20%)
Drafts and reviews legal opinions, correspondence, contracts, or other agency administrative materials. (10%)
Reviews, analyzes, and drafts legal documents, legislation, administrative rules, and amendments for legislative consideration that may affect TPI programs, operations, or policy. (10%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities
Knowledge of: state and federal laws, rules, and regulations, particularly as they relate to the programs and operation of TPI; general legal functions necessary to state agency operations, such as litigation, policymaking and administrative procedure, open government, contracts, personnel, open records, and privacy; and principles of legal research and writing.
Skill in: legal research and writing; written and oral communication; understanding and solving complex problems; handling multiple assignments and tasks; prioritizing and meeting deadlines; the use of a computer and all necessary software, including legal research tools; organization; exercising sound judgment; and effective decision making.
Ability to: synthesize law, administrative rules, agency policies and goals, and best practice recommendations to reach an appropriate interpretation; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; manage multiple assignments and deadlines; use a computer and any necessary software, including legal research tools; to perform under pressure; analyze and assess quickly legal and organizational risk; receive and respond positively to constructive feedback; and work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment.
Registration Or Licensure Requirements
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Initial Selection Criteria
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Substantial experience in legal work.
Substantial experience in open government and administrative law.
Substantial experience in preparing opinions and reviewing policies related to administrative law or government law.
Substantial experience in conducting research.
Additional Information
Experience with the pharmaceutical or insurance industries is preferred.
The Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative is a new initiative administratively attached to HHSC. Its organizational structure may change.
The position will be a hybrid position, with the potential to be full-time telework.
Position will be required to attend TPI Board meetings in person.
Annual CLE fees and State Bar dues are paid, and full-time state employees are eligible for a generous benefits package. Learn more about benefits here .
MOS Code
27A, 27B, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 51JX
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.
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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