Attorney II

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 1,071,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission invites applications for an Attorney II in the OCC Legal Services Division, Labor and Employment Team. The position provides legal counsel on civil rights and employment matters across the HHSC system, with responsibility for investigations, policy drafting, and litigation support.

Candidates must be licensed to practice law in Texas (JD/LLB) and be in good standing.

Qualifications

• Must have JD or LLB from an accredited law school and admission to the Texas State Bar.
• Experience in civil rights and employment law is preferred.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and advice on civil rights and employment matters across HHSC.
• Review, draft, and respond to civil rights complaints and investigations.
• Draft policy, legislation, and opinions; advise on investigations and accommodations.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Multi-tasking

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

JD or LLB (Texas)

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

Date: Sep 8, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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: Attorney II

Job Title: Attorney II

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: OCC Legal Services Division

Posting Number: 21147

Closing Date: 09/22/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Legal

Salary Range: $7,155.75 - $8,000.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24

Shift: Day

Additional Shift

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:

MOS Codes: 4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,51JX,92J0,LGL10,LGL11

Brief Job Description

This position performs moderately complex (journey-level) attorney work in the Personnel Department of the Legal Services Division in the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) for the agencies of the Health and Human Services (HHS) system. The position is on the Labor and Employment Team, which provides legal advice on system wide employment issues. The work in this position involves overseeing and planning legal activities, preparing legal documents, drafting policies and procedures, and interpreting laws, regulations, and personnel policies. Work primarily focuses on HHS civil rights related matters. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Review, investigate, and draft responses to external civil rights complaints through EEOC and TWC-CRD agency administrative processes. Review new charges of discrimination to develop the agency's response strategy. Direct investigative processes and procedures into factual allegations of charges. Research civil rights law as it applies to individual charge allegations. Draft position statements to be submitted to external agencies. (70%)

Essential Job Functions

Maintain knowledge of changes in civil rights laws to ensure HHS maintains compliance with the agencies legal responsibilities. Provide legal support and analysis to the HHS Civil Rights Office (CRO) on civil rights administrative matters such as reasonable accommodation requests, employee discrimination complaints, civil rights trainings, etc. CRO support includes providing advice and interpretation of the application of state and federal employment laws and regulations to the specific matter and advising CRO staff on how to proceed regarding investigations, accommodations, and findings. Works with other attorneys in the Personnel Department and Litigation Department as necessary to develop a wholistic approach in civil rights related matters. (20%)

Provides legal support and advice to the HHS Human Resources department on policy matters. Reviews changes in state and federal laws and regulations and assists HR with the development of policies and procedures to incorporate those changes. Provides and/or assists with training for HHS system staff. Participates in HHS work groups and special projects. (5%)

Reviews, drafts, and comments on legislation, statutes, rules, policies, and regulations related to HHS system operations, human resources, and employment law issues. Conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions interpreting court cases, statutes, regulations, and Attorney General opinions. Assists with the review of alleged policy or law violations. (5%)

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

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

All applicants must be licensed to practice law in Texas and be in good standing, or have taken the bar exam and are awaiting November results.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings.
• Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis.
• Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
• Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment.
• Ability to effectively multi-task.
• Knowledge of employment and civil rights law is preferred.
• Skilled in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
• Skilled in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff and the public.
• Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws.
• Ability to use computer applications and databases related to essential functions of the job, including computer-assisted legal research, word processing software, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Initial Screening Criteria

Must have a JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school, admission to the State Bar of Texas.

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 to those listed in this posting. All active‑duty military, reservists, guardsmen, 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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin