Contracts Attorney

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 102,300 - 112,407; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services is seeking a Contracts Attorney to join its team in Austin, TX. This position involves complex legal duties related to healthcare contracts, negotiating and drafting, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The successful candidate will leverage their legal expertise to impact the lives of Texans positively.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.
• Minimum of five years of experience in the practice of law required.

Responsibilities

• Negotiates contracts and provides legal advice.
• Conducts legal reviews and assists with procurement matters.
• Represents the agency in contract negotiations and disputes.

Skills

Knowledge of contract law

Legal research

Negotiation skills

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Graduation from an accredited college

Job description

Join to apply for the Contracts Attorney role at Texas Health and Human Services

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Contracts Attorney role at Texas Health and Human Services

Date: Jul 14, 2025

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: Contracts Attorney

Job Title: Attorney IV

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: LSD Contracts Team1 Assoc Dir

Posting Number: 6889

Closing Date: 08/13/2025

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Legal

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28

Salary Range: $9,166.67 - $10,072.37

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Shift: Day

Telework:

Additional Shift:

Travel:

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

The System Contracting department is a department of the Legal Services Division and supports internal clients within the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system. The System Contracting Department is hiring a non-litigation Attorney III. The successful candidate will collaborate with HHS system managers, leadership, and procurement professionals on a wide variety of healthcare contracts that impact the daily lives of Texans. Experience with contract drafting, review and negotiation is preferred, but not required.

Official Job Description:

Performs highly complex (senior-level) legal duties with respect to the HHS system's procurements, grants, contracting, and enforcement of contracts to ensure agency and contractor compliance with state and federal laws and regulations regarding contracts. The HHS system includes the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services.

Provides legal review, drafting, advice and opinions on contracts, grants, and procurement matters. Represents the HHS system in procurement matters, contract negotiations and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by HHS system leadership.

Participates in projects that may include development of policies, rules, procedures and forms, review and implementation of legislative changes.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

(50%) Negotiates and provides assistance to program staff and drafts contracts and solicitation documents (including, but not limited to, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Offers, Requests for Qualifications, Requests for Applications, and Invitations for Bids) in accordance with agency’s legal authority and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to contracts and contract management.

(40%) Advises agency staff on federal and state contract laws and regulations. Reviews and drafts legal instruments and regulations and provides legal advice regarding contracting, procurement, and enforcement. Provides legal assistance on adverse actions involving contracts. Consults with management concerning legal ramifications of possible changes in overall contract practices and procedures. Represents the agency in procurement matters, contract negotiations, and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by agency management. Represents the agency in administrative or contested case hearings.

(10%) Performs additional duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, drafting substantive legal documents, including opinions, briefs, and memoranda that include analysis of agency authority under state and federal law; and both proposed and enacted state and federal legislation.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of fundamentals of contract law, government procurement law, and Texas state agency contracts. Knowledge in reviewing, developing, negotiating, and management of contracts and grants. Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings. Knowledge of federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies affecting the HHS system. Knowledge of Texas procurement and contracting laws.

Skill in efficient legal research including use of Westlaw and other internet legal research. Skill in conducting research, summarizing findings, and using legal reference materials. Skill in foreseeing legal implications of contract terms and procurement and contract actions and providing legal advice accordingly.

Exceptionally skilled in oral and written communication to a wide range of audiences. Skill in identifying relevant legal issues. Skill in organizing and expressing complex legal problems clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Skill in preparing opinions, contracts, rules, and policies and procedures. Skill in preparing high quality, complex procurement and contractual documents. Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions. Skill in demonstrating sound judgment and reasonable tolerance of ambiguity in the performance of job duties.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with clients, other government leadership and employees, and stakeholder groups. Skill in operating a personal computer and other basic office equipment. Skill in articulating legal concepts to staff, management, leadership, and other stakeholders.

Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities. Ability to utilize legal experience and training to assist in developing policies and training to safeguard funds flowing to the agency, minimize liability and avoid risk to clients. Ability to analyze moderately complex to advanced factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws. Ability to make efficient use of time and resources. Ability to think creatively and apply clear, logical problem-solving techniques. Ability to maintain professional and collegial relations with all levels of management and staff, as well as with other agencies’ management and staff and the public.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications:

Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas and a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Experience with contract drafting, review and negotiation preferred. A minimum of five years’ experience in the practice of law required. Experience with IT contracting, construction law, real estate law, government procurement, and federally funded contracts preferred.

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 are 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.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.

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

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Government Administration

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