Associate Director

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 Associate Director 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 legal support to DSHS and HHSC programs and administrative areas in policy development, rulemaking, legislative implementation, program operations, and other general legal needs. As the legal department with the most day-to-day interaction with programs, the Policy Department can help connect programs to resources in other Legal Services departments and areas when there is a need for specialized support.

This position reports to the Director of the Policy Department and participates in the Policy Department leadership team. The position supervises and manages attorneys in the Regulatory, Community, and Family Health Services section of the Department. The section provides legal support to the staff and leadership of the Regulatory Services, Community Services, and Family Health Services divisions of HHSC. This support involves providing legal advice related to policy matters, including rulemaking and legislative interpretation. 

The position performs complex legal work involving directing and planning legal activities; overseeing the preparation of legal documents; interpreting laws; developing, drafting, and reviewing rules and policies; reviewing contracts, grants, data requests, and draft legislation; and rendering legal advice and counsel. The position will complete special projects as assigned and will collaborate with department leadership and others within with Legal Services Division. The position works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

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

(40%) Provides highly advanced legal advice and/or assistance to designated HHS programs and leadership. 

(25%) Organizes, supervises, and reports on the work of staff in the assigned section of the Policy Department.

(15%) Researches and prepares memoranda, reference guides, and briefing materials, including legal analyses, opinions, and recommendations for the Chief Counsel, other division leadership, and HHS staff.

(15%) Assists the Director of the Policy Department in planning and organizing assignments, activities, and special projects.

(5%) Completes special projects as assigned.
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings. 

Knowledge of state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations pertaining to assigned program areas. 

Knowledge of administrative law, administrative rulemaking, and the Texas Administrative Code. 
  
Knowledge of assigned agency programs.

Knowledge of the legislative and appropriations processes.

Exceptional skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in oral and written communication to a range of audiences; in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workload; and in using judgment to identify courses of action. 

Ability to prepare opinions and briefs, to develop and review rule and contract language, to conduct research, to summarize findings, to interpret and apply laws, to use legal reference materials, to communicate effectively, and to assign and/or supervise the work of others.        

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.

Substantial experience (at least 10 years) in legal work required.

Substantial experience in administrative law and rulemaking required.

Substantial experience in preparing opinions and reviewing policies related to administrative law or government law preferred.

Substantial experience in conducting research preferred.

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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.