Deputy Chief Counsel

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Functional Title: Deputy Chief Counsel

Job Title: General Counsel IV

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: OCC Legal Services Division

Posting Number: 18909

Closing Date: 07/24/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Legal

Salary Range: $15,203.00 - $18,750.00

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-32

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,LGL10,LGL11

Brief Job Description:

The HHS system is hiring a deputy chief counsel to oversee the Contracts and Open Government Section of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). As a deputy chief counsel, the position directs multiple departments that provide legal services to the agencies of the HHS system and provides strategic leadership, direction, and guidance to department directors, attorneys, and professional staff within the section.

The Contracts and Open Government Section includes the System Contracting Department and the Open Records and Data Governance Department. The System Contracting Department provides legal support related to HHS procurement and contracting, and the Open Records and Datta Governance Department facilitates HHS agencies' compliance with the Texas Public Information Act and provides legal support related to the use and disclosure of HHS data.

This position directs and coordinates the work of the section, collaborates with other Legal Services sections and areas of OCC, and ensures the section appropriately and effectively communicates with HHS system clients, leadership, stakeholders, and state and federal partners.

The position reports to the HHS chief counsel and performs highly advanced, managerial legal work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Operational Direction and Coordination. Directs and coordinates section operations across multiple departments, including establishing section priorities, monitoring and escalating significant issues, identifying emerging legal concerns, and ensuring work is completed accurately, timely, and consistently. Oversees development of section and department resources, including templates, procedures, guidance documents, training materials, and other resources that promote staff development and high-quality legal work across the section. (30%)
• Leadership and Management Support. Provides strategic leadership and guidance to department directors and management to support the delivery of legal services, resolution of complex legal issues, coordination of cross-department work, and consistent communication with HHS system leadership, clients, and partners. (20%)
• Legal Analysis and Client Support. Reviews, analyzes, and advises HHS system staff and decision-makers on the interpretation, application, and implementation of laws, rules, and policies affecting the HHS system. (15%)
• Executive Advising, Communication, and Representation. Provides legal briefings, reports, and recommendations to HHS system and OCC leadership and decision-makers and may provide testimony before legislative committees. (10%)
• Strategic Planning and Organizational Improvement. Works with chief counsel and other deputy chief counsels to develop and implement strategic initiatives, business process improvements, and operational strategies that advance OCC's mission and improve section performance. (10%)
• Supervision and Performance Management. Supervises and evaluates department directors and establishes performance expectations and accountability for section performance. (10%)
• Other Duties. Performs related work as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, regulations, and rules and HHS system policies.
• Skill in identifying complex legal and operational issues; reviewing and evaluating related information; developing, assessing, and implementing solutions; and using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths, weaknesses, risks, legal implications, and practical effects of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals to support the operations of a large and complex state government organization; decision making at an executive level, including assessing risk and using good judgment to inform decisions and recommendations to leadership.
• Skill in building and maintaining positive working relationships within OCC, across the HHS system, and with external stakeholders.
• Skill in leading, coordinating, and supporting the work of multiple departments or work units, including setting priorities, managing competing demands, promoting consistent processes, and supporting timely and legally sound work products.
• Skill in preparing legal documents, policies, procedures, reports, briefings, and other written materials; presenting legal issues to executive, legislative, judicial, and/or other audiences; and communicating effectively.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct section and department activities, establish goals and objectives that support OCC's business and strategic plans, identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; and develop and implement section policies and procedures.
• Ability to formulate, coordinate, and establish policies and procedures; lead, coordinate, and supervise the work of department directors, attorneys, and professional staff; and support consistent practices across multiple departments.
• Ability to provide strategic direction, guidance, and feedback on complex legal matters; evaluate section-wide priorities and risks; and make recommendations consistent with OCC and HHS system priorities.
• Ability to use and implement current and new technology to improve section performance.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required: Experience in Texas government contracting and procurement and compliance with the Public Information Act. Experience managing professional staff at the managerial level.

Preferred: Experience working with or within the Texas health and human services system.

Additional Information:

Interviews will be held in Austin, Texas, throughout July 2026.

Anticipated start date for this position is September 1, 2026.

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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 Auditors 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.