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Functional Title: Attorney IV Job Title: Attorney IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: LSD Personnel 4 Posting Number: 18388 Closing Date: 09/05/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Legal Salary Range: $10,383.83- $10,676.70 Pay Frequency: MonthlySalary Group: TEXAS-B-28 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) 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 is an attorney in the Personnel Department. The Personnel Department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). The Personnel Department provides legal support on personnel and employment law matters affecting HHS state offices and programs, including the state operated facilities of the HHSC Health and Specialty Care System.
This position performs highly complex (senior-level) attorney work. Serves as legal counsel to Health and Human Services facility programs (state hospitals and state supported living centers), including providing legal advice on employment law and personnel issues. Work involves organizing and planning legal activities, coordinating the preparation of legal documents, coordinating and providing advice regarding various hearings, interpreting laws and regulations, and rendering legal advice and counsel. May assign and/or supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Essential Job Functions:
Advises agency management and staff on a variety of legal matters concerning human resource management, personnel issues, and related policies and laws, including the interpretation and application of state and federal laws and regulations. Advises agency management on issues involving legal risks. (40%)
Reviews, drafts, and comments on legislation, statutes, rules, policies, and regulations related to agency operations, human resources, and employment law issues. Collaborates and consults with various program areas and departments. Assists in responding during external regulatory agency inquires and proceedings. Conducts legal research for policy and process questions. Prepares and renders legal opinions interpreting court cases, statutes, regulations, and Attorney General opinions. Assists with the review of alleged policy or law violations and performs other duties as assigned. (20%)
Provides legal support and advice to Human Resources and identifies appropriate legal solutions. Provides input and guidance on the development of agency policies. Provides and/or assists with training for agency staff. Participates in work groups and special projects. (20%)
Represents the agency in administrative hearings related to employment law. Performs related legal work and prepares and/or reviews related legal documents. (15%)
Travel, primarily in state. (5%)
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations; and of agency administrative rules and regulations.
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 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 trial, 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. Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.
Initial Screening Criteria
Must have a JD or LLB degree from an accredited law school and at least five years of experience in the practice of law.
Additional Information:
Employment law experience 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.