Associate Counsel

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: Associate Counsel 
Job Title: Attorney I 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Chief Counsel 
Posting Number: 7218 
Closing Date: 08/06/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Legal 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
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,92J0,LGL10,LGL11 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of Inspector General seeks an Attorney I to join the Chief Counsel's Litigation section. The Attorney I is responsible for a case load of 15-25 moderately complex cases. The attorney will assist with the development of audits and investigations. Once a case moves into the litigation phase, the attorney will be responsible for all aspects of preparing and litigating the case. These activities include, but are not limited to development of evidence through contact with witnesses and review of documents and policies, rules, regulations, and statutes; and preparation of pleadings, written discovery, motions, trial briefs, exhibits, and necessary orders. The attorney will also take and defend depositions and examinations under oath and may assume first chair trial responsibilities. The trial phase may also include mediation and/or informal resolution conferences. The attorney will be required to keep management advised of all aspects of the case.

In addition to these duties, the attorney will provide research and assistance in other areas as assigned and as needed.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Case evaluation, assessment, and preparation for litigation while keeping the options open to explore and negotiate settlement. (50%)

Litigate matters before the State Office of Administrative Hearings or the Health and Human Services Appeals Division, including draft pleadings, written discovery, depositions, witness preparation, and hearings. (15%)

Resolving matters by agreement via informal resolution meetings (IRMs) or mediation. (10%)

Assist with the development of audits and investigations. (10%)

General legal research. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of trial and/or administrative hearings procedures.

Knowledge of Administrative Procedure Act.

Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis.

Skill in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.

Skill in demonstrating sound judgment.

Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups.

Skill in performing research using resources including, but not limited to Westlaw, LexisNexis, PACER, administrative agency and court case management systems, and legislative reference sources.

Skill in use of computer software applications including, but not limited to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams), Adobe Acrobat Pro, and database programs.

Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws.

Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.

Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff, and the public.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications:

Licensed in good standing with the State Bar of Texas

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Preferred:

Participation in a judicial clerkship or judicial internship.

Participation in mock trial, moot court, or similar law school advocacy programs.

Additional Information: 

All applicants selected to interview will be required to submit a legal writing sample.

The OIG is responsible for preventing, detecting, auditing, inspecting, reviewing, and investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in the provision of HHS in Medicaid and other HHS programs. Potential employees of OIG are subject to criminal background checks in accordance with the HHS Human Resources policy. Selected applicants must complete a national fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to determine if they have criminal history record information that constitutes a bar to employment.

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

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. 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.