Personnel Attorney
AUSTIN, TX
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: Personnel Attorney
Job Title: Attorney III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Legal Services Division
Posting Number: 9639
Closing Date: 10/10/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Legal
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-26
Salary Range: $8,924.96 - $9,476.35
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,92J0,LGL10,LGL11
Brief Job Description:
This position performs highly complex (senior-level) attorney work in the Personnel Department of the Legal Services Division in the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) for the agencies of the Health and Human Services (HHS) system. The position is on the Labor and Employment Team, which provides legal advice on system wide employment issues. The work in this position involves overseeing and planning legal activities, preparing legal documents, drafting policies and procedures, and interpreting laws, regulations, and personnel policies. Work primarily focuses on HHS civil rights related matters. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
EJF #1 - Performs HHS Civil Rights related duties. Review, investigate, and respond to civil rights complaints received by external federal or state entities. Maintain knowledge of changes in civil rights laws to ensure HHS maintains compliance. Provide support to the HHS Civil Rights Office (CRO) on CRO matters such as internal employee discrimination complaints, reasonable accommodation requests, civil rights trainings, etc. CRO support includes providing advice and interpretation of the application of state and federal employment laws and regulations to the specific matter and advising CRO staff on how to proceed regarding investigations, accommodations, and findings. Works with attorneys in the Personnel Department and Litigation Department as necessary to develop a wholistic approach in civil rights related matters. (70%)
EJF #2 - Provides legal support and advice to the HHS Human Resources department on policy matters. Reviews changes in state and federal laws and regulations and assists HR with the development of policies and procedures to incorporate those changes. Provides and/or assists with training for HHS system staff. Participates in HHS work groups and special projects. (10%)
EJF #3 - Reviews, drafts, and comments on legislation, statutes, rules, policies, and regulations related to HHS system operations, human resources, and employment law issues. Conducts legal research and prepares legal opinions interpreting court cases, statutes, regulations, and Attorney General opinions. Assists with the review of alleged policy or law violations. (10%)
EJF #4 - Provides support for the HHS Ethics Office. Reviews employees' non-HHS activity and employment for potential conflicts of interest. Reviews and assists employees' requests to engage in political activities including achieving proper approval from the Executive Commissioner. Advises HHS system management and staff on legal matters concerning non-HHS outside activities and employment and related policies and laws, including ethical considerations and the interpretation and application of state and federal laws and regulations. (5%)
EJF #5 - Provides support to the HHS System in immigration matters. Advises HHS system management and staff on immigration laws and processes for sponsorship of employees and/or potential employees for the HHS System. Coordinates ongoing sponsorship activities for current HHS system employees. Works with HHS outside counsel to ensure timely processing of HHS employee immigration petitions and related legal matters. (5%)
EJF #6 - Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with HHS leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and of agency administrative rules and regulations. Knowledge or expereince with employment law and/or civil rights law is preferred.
• 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; in negotiation; in administrative hearings or litigation and caseload management; and in using judgment to identify courses of action.
• Ability to plan and organize work; to conduct and advise on hearings; to prepare opinions and briefs, to prepare cases for hearings, to conduct research, to summarize findings, to interpret and apply laws and policies, to use legal reference materials and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work as a team and communicate effectively with others within HHS and the Office of Chief Counsel.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Experience in employment law and/or civil rights law required.
Additional Information:
Telework may be avaliable for a portion of the work week.
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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.
Nearest Major Market: Austin