Civil Rights Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Functional Title: Personnel Attorney Job Title: Attorney II Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: OCC Legal Services Division Posting Number: 19999 Closing Date: 08/25/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Legal Salary Range: $7,155.75- $8,000.00 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-24 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
General Job Description:
This position is for an Attorney II in the Personnel Department. The Personnel Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division (LSD) of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Personnel Department provides legal guidance to Health and Human Services (HHS) system programs and state supported facilities regarding employment related legal matters including performance and conduct management, employee leave related issues, civil rights matters, outside activities, and immigration assistance.
The Attorney II works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The position is part of a team of attorneys and support staff that primarily handles employment related civil rights matters and is responsible for reviewing, investigating, and drafting agency responses to external civil rights complaints. The position will also advise agency staff on civil rights-related personnel actions and their associated legal risks. This position may be eligible to telework.
Essential Job Functions:
This 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, investigate and develop legal responses to legally protected complaints; research and brief relevant legal issues; review policies, rules, regulations, and forms for compliance with legal standards; and manage caseloads. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing legal documents, legislation, administrative rules, and amendments. Additionally, the role represents the agency in various meetings, participates in special projects, and performance of other assigned duties.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
All applicants must be licensed to practice law in Texas and be in good standing, or have taken the bar exam and are awaiting November results.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
*Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings.
*Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis.
*Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
*Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment.
*Ability to effectively multi-task.
*Knowledge of employment and civil rights law is preferred.
*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, word processing software, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Must have a JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school and admission to the State Bar of Texas; OR have taken the bar exam and are awaiting November results.
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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.