Enforcement Attorney

Brief Job Description:
This position is an attorney in the Enforcement Department. The Enforcement Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. The Enforcement Department provides legal support related to HHS sanctions against facilities, programs, and services, including reviewing and drafting notices, correspondence, and guidance documents; interpreting state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; rendering legal advice and counsel to HHS agency personnel; providing legal representation in contested case proceedings, and overseeing enforcement litigation in district courts.

The position serves as legal counsel for the Health and Human Services Commission and the Department of State Health Services and is responsible for representing HHSC in contested cases governed by the Administrative Procedure Act before the State Office of Administrative Hearings and the Health and Human Services Commission Appeals Division. The position is required to independently handle a busy docket of cases and should be experienced in and knowledgeable of litigation. The attorney advises program staff daily and helps them evaluate the legal sufficiency of proposed sanctions. The attorney also routinely provides training and consultation to HHSC staff regarding hearing processes.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

This attorney position provides legal representation, consultation, and support to program areas across the Health and Human Services system. Attorneys are required to: consult with program staff on complex issues of law; review, develop, and conduct training; research and brief relevant legal issues; review policies, rules, regulations, and forms for compliance with legal standards; manage caseloads; prepare cases for trial; and represent HHSC at hearings. Attorneys are required to independently represent clients at hearings governed by the Administrative Procedures Act from docketing to completion, including: analyzing evidence and preparing case strategies; preparing and serving discovery requests; responding to discovery; preparing and responding to motions; identifying and preparing witnesses; conducting depositions; and representing the agency at hearing.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

*Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis
*Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines
*Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment
*Knowledge of Administrative Procedures Act as well as civil trial practice
*Skilled in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions
*Skilled in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups
*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 verbally and in writing
*Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff and the public
*Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws
*Ability to use computer applications and databases related to essential functions of the job, including computer-assisted legal research, and word processing software  

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Currently licensed to practice law in Texas, graduation from an accredited law school with an LLB or JD degree, and relevant work experience.  

Initial Screening Criteria:

Must have a JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school, admission to the State Bar of Texas, and at least two years of experience in the practice of law. Administrative law experience preferred.  

Additional Information:
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
I-9 Form - https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-9- paper-version.pdf

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.