Policy Attorney

Health & Human Services Comm; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a Policy Attorney to join the Policy Department within the Office of Chief Counsel. The attorney provides legal support for policy development, rulemaking, and legislative implementation across HHSC programs.

Responsibilities include reviewing contracts and legislation, interpreting state and federal laws, drafting rules, and advising agency leadership. Texas-licensed attorneys with at least three years’ practice are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.
• At least three years’ experience in the practice of law.

Responsibilities

• Advise HHSC and OCC leadership on legal matters and policies.
• Draft and interpret agency policy and regulations.
• Review contracts, grants, data requests, and legislation.
• Provide legal counsel and collaborate with other departments.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Policy analysis

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

Career Opportunities: Policy Attorney (21068)

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 .

Brief Job Description:

The position is an attorney in the Policy Department. The Policy Department is in the General Law and Policy Section of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC).

The Policy Department provides legal support to HHSC and DSHS program and administrative areas in policy development, rulemaking, legislative implementation, program operations, and other agency legal matters. Attorneys work closely with agency leadership and staff to analyze legal issues, support implementation of state and federal requirements, and develop practical solutions to complex policy and operational challenges. The department also collaborates closely with other Office of Chief Counsel departments to provide coordinated legal services and connect clients with specialized legal resources when needed.

The Policy Department is organized into teams that support major HHS program and administrative areas. These teams provide legal counsel on matters affecting agency programs and eligibility, public health, healthcare services, regulatory oversight, and agency operations.

The position reports to the associate director for eligibility and finance or the associate director for intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, and health and specialty care systems. The position performs complex attorney work under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The work involves preparing legal documents; interpreting federal and state laws and regulations; developing, drafting, and reviewing rules and policies; reviewing contracts, grants, data requests, and legislation; rendering legal advice and counsel related to policy matters; and participating in negotiations with federal and other state agencies. The work may include providing guidance to others.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

(80%) Advises HHS system clients and OCC leadership on legal matters and the drafting, interpretation, and application of agency policy; HHS and other agency regulations in the Texas Administrative Code; state law, including, but not limited to the Government Code and Health and Safety Code; and federal law and regulation, including, but not limited to, those concerning public health and welfare.

(10%) Supports or assists in the development of strategies and programs to implement legislative, programmatic, and policy initiatives.

(10%) May research, draft, and/or assist in drafting bills and amendments for legislative consideration

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and of agency administrative rules and regulations.

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

Ability to prepare opinions and briefs; to conduct research, to summarize findings, to interpret and apply laws, to use legal reference materials, to communicate effectively, and to provide guidance to others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required: At least three years’ experience in the practice of law.

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 tothose 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.