Legal Assistant

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is hiring a Legal Assistant III in the Policy Department. You will support attorneys with drafting, rule postings, and research, while maintaining electronic records and assisting with subpoenas and monthly reporting.

The role requires careful attention to legal processes and independent judgment. Join a team that provides general legal guidance across agencies in the health and human services system, especially during legislative sessions.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a legal office or group within a legal office.
• Strong legal research, drafting, and analysis abilities.
• Ability to draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents and reports.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates legal assignments to attorneys and provides legal and administrative support, including drafting and reviewing correspondence.
• Enters and maintains records and information in an electronic tracking system; compiles data for reporting and analytics.
• Communicates with department attorneys and agency program personnel regarding rule postings and postings to the Texas Register.
• Conducts legal research for department attorneys and assists with subpoenas processing.
• Supports monthly reporting and general administrative duties.

Skills

Legal terminology

Legal office management

Research methods

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Computer proficiency

Education

None specified

Tools

Electronic tracking system

Job description

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.

Position Title

Functional Title: Legal Assistant
Job Title: Legal Assistant III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: LSD Policy

Brief Job Description

This position is a legal assistant in the Policy Department, one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Policy Department provides general legal advice and support to all agencies and programs of the health and human services system in their daily operations and policy matters, including rule‑making efforts, enforcement, legislative matters, and general agency guidance. The department can help connect programs to resources in other Legal Services departments when there is a need for specialized support. During and in anticipation of legislative sessions, attorneys provide support by assisting with bill reading, drafting, and analysis. The Legal Assistant III performs highly complex (senior‑level) legal assistant work, supporting department attorneys, tracking rule projects and other department assignments, assisting with monthly reporting, monitoring the department’s email account, filing rules and other postings with the Texas Register, conducting legal research, subpoena processing, and other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinates legal assignments to attorneys and provides legal and administrative support, including drafting and reviewing correspondence. (40%)
• Enters and maintains records and information in an electronic tracking system. Assembles and analyzes information and data for department reporting and analytics purposes. (25%)
• Communicates with department attorneys and agency program personnel regarding rule and other public postings. Submits postings to the Texas Register and HHS Web Services. (20%)
• Conducts legal and other research for department attorneys. (5%)
• Assists department attorneys with the review and processing of subpoenas. (5%)
• Performs related work as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

Knowledge of the functions and management of a legal office, legal terminology, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, research methods and techniques, administrative and court procedures, the legislative process, and public notice requirements.

Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems; understanding and processing information; use of office equipment; and use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to manage a group of individuals, establish goals and objectives, devise solutions to problems, develop and evaluate policies and procedures, and prepare reports.

Ability to conduct research, draft, prepare, and interpret legal documents, evaluate and relate findings to cases in question, conduct investigations, and communicate effectively.

Licensure, Certification, Or Registration Required

None.

Initial Screening Criteria

Experience in the management of a legal office or group within a legal office. At least three years of experience as a Legal Assistant.

Additional Information

All active duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position.

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 online 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 on your first day of work.

Telework Disclaimer

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