Administrative Law Judge II

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: Administrative Law Judge II 
Job Title: Administrative Law Judge II 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: AD Contested Cases 
Posting Number: 6936 
Closing Date: 07/24/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Legal 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26 
Salary Range: $6,377.50 - $8,581.66 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
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 
27A, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 51JX 
 
 

Job Description

The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) position performs advanced legal and appellate work for the two (2) HHS agencies. The work involves conducting contested case hearings under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act and grievance hearings under the HHSC Human Resources Manual as well as performing Administrative Reviews of Fair and Fraud Hearing Decisions pursuant to the Texas Government Code.  The ALJ schedules hearings; travels to conduct hearings; conducts prehearing and other conferences; presides at hearings; rules on discovery disputes, motions, and admissibility of evidence; analyzes testimony and evidence presented in hearings; and issues appropriate orders and final decisions, including findings of fact and conclusions of law. The ALJ’s work also involves directing and planning legal activities, overseeing the preparation of legal documents, interpreting laws and regulations, and demonstrating judicial temperament in all actions. The ALJ works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

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

Conducts multiple types of complex hearings concerning more than 40 different programs or agency operations areas, including grievance proceedings for all HHS agencies which included the following tasks:

o Manages decorum of courtroom, maintaining control of attorneys, witnesses, and clients
o Manages and oversees process of litigation
o Swears in witnesses
o Listens to testimony
o Rules on objections

o Determines if elements of a case are proven in accordance with burden of proof
o Determines evidentiary disputes
o Analyses complex legal issues relating to HHSC program policies

Conducts grievance hearings (20%) 

Writes final decisions in contested cases and grievance proceedings, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, acting as the designee of the Executive Commissioner, (25)%

Manages a complex hearings docket of cases by tracking, monitoring, planning, coordinating and scheduling activities to ensure that all state and federal statutes, rules and regulations are met with respect to the hearings process, (35%)

Conducts prehearing and other conferences to rule on motions and admissibility of evidence and to determine the discovery and hearings schedule, (5%)

Conducts Administrative Reviews of Fair and Fraud Hearing Decisions, including writing final decisions as necessary, (10%)

Responds to requests for information from HHS agencies’ staff and from external requestors, including Open Records requests, statistical inquiries, and pending hearings, (5%).

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Advanced knowledge of legal principles and practices
Advanced knowledge of trial and administrative hearings procedures
Advanced knowledge of evidentiary and procedural issues
Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations affecting HHS agencies’ operations and administration
Knowledge of HHS agencies’ programs, policies, rules, and procedures
Skill in planning and decision-making
Skill in organizing and expressing complex legal problems in a clear, concise manner sufficient to communicate orally and in writing with people of varied backgrounds and levels of sophistication
Ability to analyze and solve legal problems and to interpret laws and regulations affecting the HHS agencies
Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with the public, with legal representatives, and with agency staff
Ability to comply with ethical standards
Ability to recognize problems and to identify and facilitate solutions
Ability to train agency staff
Ability to conduct effective, in-depth legal research
Ability to organize and manage a heavy caseload
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information
Ability to meet numerous and competing deadlines

Initial Screening Criteria:

Licensed attorney for at least 10 years and a member in good standing through the State Bar of Texas.
Experience with administrative hearings process, rules of evidence and civil procedure personnel, and knowledge of Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program policy.

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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.