Data Governance Attorney

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks an experienced Data Governance Attorney to provide expert legal guidance on privacy, data governance, and information management within the HHS system. This role focuses on state and federal compliance, data sharing agreements, and contract reviews to ensure ethical and secure data handling.

Located in Austin, this Attorney III position is exempt, full-time, and eligible for telework as per agency policy, with a salary range and benefits

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Membership in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
• Experience in legal work related to privacy and data governance.

Responsibilities

• Advises HHS system on privacy, data usage, sharing, and governance.
• Reviews and negotiates data sharing and data security agreements.
• Provides legal support to data breach responses and related incidents.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

Privacy

Data governance

Legal research

Writing

Analysis

Communication

Supervise others

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Accredited law school

Job description

Date: Aug 5, 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: Data Governance Attorney

Job Title: Attorney III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: OCC Legal Services Division

Posting Number: 19664

Closing Date: 08/19/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Legal

Salary Range: $8,581.66 - $10,785.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26

Shift: Day

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

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:

The data governance attorney provides expert legal guidance and support to Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system agencies on matters related to data governance, compliance, privacy, and information management. This role includes advising on state and federal regulatory compliance, reviewing and advising on data sharing agreements and other contracts, and supporting HHS system policies and initiatives to ensure ethical, legal, and secure data handling practices.

This position is in the Open Records and Data Governance Department of the Legal Services Division within the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The HHS Office of Chief Counsel and its Legal Services Division provide legal services to the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services. This position would provide legal advice to the Privacy Department in the Office of Chief Counsel.

The attorney would perform moderately complex (journeyman-level) attorney work involving rendering legal advice and counsel, interpreting laws and regulation, overseeing and planning legal activities, and preparing legal documents.

Essential Job Functions:

• (60%) Advises HHS system on legal matters related to privacy, data usage, sharing, and management.
• (25%) Reviews and negotiates agreements involving data sharing and data security.
• (10%) Provides legal support to HHS system response to data breaches or security incidents.
• (5%) Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of: privacy; data governance; legal principles, practices, and proceedings; and of laws, regulations, and rules related to the health and human services agencies.

Skill in: legal research, writing, and analysis; using a computer and applicable software; using reasoning and logic; identifying and solving complex problems; prioritizing workloads; and using judgment to identify courses of action.

Ability to: study and evaluate processes and make recommendations, prepare opinions and briefs, conduct research, summarize findings, interpret and apply laws, use legal reference materials, communicate effectively orally and in writing, and supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications:

Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience in legal work. Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

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.

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