ALJ

Health & Human Services Comm; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health insurance

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission in Austin seeks an Administrative Law Judge II to conduct contested hearings and administrative reviews for HHSC programs. The role requires interpreting state laws, applying regulations, and delivering decisive findings.

You will manage a busy docket, supervise witnesses, rule on objections, and write final decisions as the representative of the Executive Commissioner. Telework may be eligible; strong ethics and independence are essential.

Qualifications

• Licensed attorney for at least 10 years and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Experience with administrative hearings, rules of evidence and civil procedure personnel, and Medicaid and SNAP policy.

Responsibilities

• Conducts varied hearings including contested case hearings and grievance reviews.
• Manages courtroom decorum and governs legal proceedings.
• Rules on objections and determines evidence admissibility.
• Writes final decisions with findings of fact and conclusions of law.
• Manages a heavy hearing docket and coordinates scheduling.

Skills

Advanced legal knowledge

Trial & admin hearings

Evidentiary procedures

Regulatory knowledge

Oral & written communication

Decision making

Case management

Independent work

Confidentiality

Deadline management

Job description

Posting ID21615-Posted10/07/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-AD Contested Cases-Legal-Eligible for Telework- Other Locations (1) - Additional Shifts available (1) -e. $9000 - $10999 per month

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

• Functional Title: ALJ
• Job Title: Administrative Law Judge II
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: AD Contested Cases
• Posting Number: 21615
• Closing Date: 10/07/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Legal
• Salary Range: $9,000.00-$10,785.83
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: Days (First)
• Telework: Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 5%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
• Facility Location:
• Job Location City: Austin
• Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
• Other Locations: Austin
• MOS Codes: 4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,27B,51JX,LGL10,LGL11

Job Description:

Administrative Law Judge II

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) position performs advanced legal and appellate work for the two (2) HHS agencies. The work involves conducting contested case hearings under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act and grievance hearings under the HHSC Human Resources Manual as well as performing Administrative Reviews of Fair and Fraud Hearing Decisions pursuant to the Texas Government Code.

Essential Job Functions:

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

Conducts multiple types of complex hearings concerning more than 40 different programs or agency operations areas, including grievance proceedings for all HHS agencies including the following:

• I. Conducts hearings related to HHS grievance appeals from the State Hospitals and State Supported Living Centers;
• II. Conducts contested case hearings;
• III. Conducts Administrative Reviews.

Responsible for the following tasks:

• o Manages decorum of courtroom, maintaining control of attorneys, witnesses, and clients
• o Manages and oversees process of litigation
• o Swears in witnesses
• o Listens to testimony
• o Rules on objections
• o Determines if elements of a case are proven in accordance with burden of proof
• o Determines evidentiary disputes
• o Analyzes complex legal issues relating to HHSC program policies

Writes final decisions in contested cases and grievance proceedings, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, acting as the designee of the Executive Commissioner.

Manages a complex hearings docket of cases by tracking, monitoring, planning, coordinating and scheduling activities to ensure that all state and federal statutes, rules and regulations are met with respect to the hearings process.

Conducts prehearing and other conferences to rule on motions and admissibility of evidence and to determine the discovery and hearings schedule.

Conducts Administrative Reviews of Fair and Fraud Hearing Decisions, including writing final decisions as necessary.

Responds to requests for information from HHS agencies’ staff and from external requestors, including Open Records requests, statistical inquiries, and pending hearings.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of legal principles and practices
• Advanced knowledge of trial and administrative hearings procedures
• Advanced knowledge of evidentiary and procedural issues
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations affecting HHS agencies’ operations and administration
• Knowledge of HHS agencies’ programs, policies, rules, and procedures
• Skill in planning and decision-making
• Skill in organizing and expressing complex legal problems in a clear, concise manner sufficient to communicate orally and in writing with people of varied backgrounds and levels of sophistication
• Ability to analyze and solve legal problems and to interpret laws and regulations affecting the HHS agencies
• Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with the public, with legal representatives, and with agency staff
• Ability to comply with ethical standards
• Ability to recognize problems and to identify and facilitate solutions
• Ability to train agency staff
• Ability to conduct effective, in-depth legal research
• Ability to organize and manage a heavy caseload
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information
• Ability to meet numerous and competing deadlines

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Licensed attorney for at least 10 years and a member in good standing through the State Bar of Texas.
• Experience with administrative hearings, rules of evidence and civil procedure personnel, and Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program policy.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited tothose listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions .

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.