Guardianship Department Director

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 156,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services seeks a General Counsel IV to lead the Guardianship Department within the Legal Services Division. This role directs attorneys and staff delivering legal services to HHSC agencies, guardianship proceedings, and collections matters across Texas.

The Director collaborates with OCC and HHSC executives, exercising high-level managerial discretion and ensuring effective communication with clients and partners across state and federal levels.

Qualifications

• At least five years of legal practice experience.
• Experience managing professional staff.
• Preferred: experience within the Texas health and human services system.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to HHS system staff and decision-makers.
• Lead and supervise attorneys and staff in guardianship matters.
• Oversee probate and district court representations across Texas.
• Develop policies and communicate with executives and stakeholders.

Skills

Legal knowledge

Analytical reasoning

Relationship building

Legal document prep

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Date: Sep 14, 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: Guardianship Department Director

Job Title: General Counsel IV

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: LSD Guardianship 1

Posting Number: 21452

Closing Date: 03/15/2027

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Legal

Salary Range: $14,000.00 - $16,000.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-32

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,LGL10,LGL11

Brief Job Description

This position serves as the Director of the Guardianship Department in the Legal Services Division (LSD) of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). As Director, the position oversees a team of attorneys and professional staff that provide legal services to the agencies of the HHS system.

The Guardianship Department provides legal support to the HHSC Office of Guardianship Services and HHSC state operated facilities. The Director leads attorneys who provide direct representation in probate and district courts across Texas in guardianship proceedings and oversees the departments legal support on collections matters.

This position directs the work of its department, collaborates with other LSD departments and areas of OCC, and ensures its department appropriately and effectively communicates with HHS system clients, executives, and state and federal partners.

The position performs highly advanced, managerial legal work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Reviews, analyzes, and advises on the interpretation, application, and implementation of laws, rules, and policies affecting the HHS system and its operation and administration.
• Provides legal advice to HHS system staff and decision‑makers.
• Provides legal briefings and reports to HHS system executives and decision‑makers.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; HHS system administrative rules and regulations; and HHS system operational policies.
• Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and legal of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skill in building and maintaining positive working relationships within OCC, across the HHS system, and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare legal documents, to prepare policies and procedures, to conduct research, to interpret and apply laws, to summarize findings, to prepare legal issues for presentation to executive, legislative, judicial and/or other audiences, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to formulate, coordinate, and establish policies and procedures, and to train, coordinate, lead, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to use and train staff on current technology and identify, implement, and train staff on new technology.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria

Required: At least five years' experience in the practice of law. Experience managing professional staff.

Preferred: Experience working with or within the Texas health and human services system.

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.

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