Job Information
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION Policy Attorney in Austin, Texas
Job/Position DescriptionThis 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 legal support to DSHS and HHSC programs and administrative areas in policy development, rulemaking, legislative implementation, program operations, and other general legal needs. As the legal 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 six sections covering different areas of legal support. This position is with the Public Health section of the Policy Department. This position performs highly complex legal work overseeing and planning legal activities, preparing legal documents, participating in informal conferences, 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 FunctionsAttends 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. This may include collaboration with other legal departments on enforcement, litigation, and contracting matters. (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. Registrations, Licensure Requirements or CertificationsMust be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.Knowledge Skills AbilitiesKnowledge 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; in mediation and negotiations; and in using judgment to identify courses of action. Ability to plan and organize work, to conduct and advise on hearings, to prepare opinions and briefs, to prepare cases for trial, to interpret and apply laws, to communicate effectively, and to supervise the work of others.Initial Screening CriteriaGraduation 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.Additional InformationNote: Military occupation https://jobshrportal.hhsc.state.tx.us/ENG/CareerPortal/job_profile.cfm?szOrderID=617368 Copy the URL in the preceding sentence to an Internet Explorer browser to apply to the job directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Career Portal.