Closing Date: 2nd August, 2024

Description:

This position is an attorney in the Policy Department. The Policy Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Policy Department provides general legal advice and support to all agencies and programs of A Government Entity in their daily operations and policy matters including rule-making efforts, enforcement, legislative matters, and general agency guidance. Policy attorneys have the most day-to-day interaction with these agencies and programs and may also help them connect with attorneys in other Legal Services departments. During and in anticipation of legislative session, Policy attorneys provide support by assisting with bill reading, drafting, and analysis.

The position's primary assignment is to serve on a team that provides legal support to Texas Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program that serve over 4 million Texans and involve highly dynamic, consequential, and interesting areas of federal and state law. Teamwork and collaboration with other attorneys are valued, with opportunities for advancement and movement in the Legal Services Division.

The position works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The work involves overseeing and planning legal activities; preparing legal documents; interpreting federal and state laws and regulations; developing, drafting, reviewing and approving 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 and managed care organizations. The work may include providing guidance to others.

Telework is available up to 100%, and the Policy Department is committed to work-life balance. Offices are in the North Austin Complex, a beautiful new office building with covered parking and state-of-the-art conference rooms, as well as a gym with lockers and showers free of charge. Annual CLE fees and State Bar dues are paid, and full-time state employees are eligible for a generous benefits package.

Essential Job Functions:

(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%) Reviews, analyzes, and drafts legislation that may affect HHS System programs, operations, or policy.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

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 provide support in preparing cases for administrative hearings or trial, 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.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Initial Selection Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
Substantial experience in legal work.
Substantial experience in administrative law and rulemaking.
Substantial experience in preparing opinions and reviewing policies related to administrative law or government law.
Substantial experience in conducting research.