General Counsel III

The System Contracting department of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is hiring for an Associate Director. This is a non-litigation position. The successful candidate will collaborate with program managers and procurement professionals on a wide variety of healthcare contracts that impact the daily lives of Texans. Experience with contract drafting, review and negotiation is required. This position is eligible for telework with the potential for full-time telework from the Austin area. In addition, HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

The System Contracting department is one of seven departments in the Legal Services Division of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel. System Contracting provides legal support related to HHS procurement and contract activities, including reviewing, drafting, and negotiating solicitation documents, contracts, amendments, memoranda of understanding, and interagency agreements; interpreting state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; and rendering legal advice and counsel to HHS agency personnel on procurement and contracting issues.

Official Job Description

Performs advanced legal duties with respect to the agency's procurements, grants, contracting, and enforcement of contracts to ensure agency and contractor compliance with state and federal laws and regulations regarding contracts. As used in this Job Description, “agency” includes the Department of State Health Services, in addition to the Health and Human Services Commission.

Provides legal review, drafting, advice and opinions on contracts, grants, and procurement matters. Represents the agency in procurement matters, contract negotiations and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by agency management.

Participates in assigned projects that may include development of policies, rules, procedures and forms, review and implementation of legislative changes.

  Essential Job Functions:(30%) Negotiates and provides assistance to program staff; drafts contracts and solicitation documents (including, but not limited to, Requests for Proposals, Requests for Offers, Requests for Qualifications, Requests for Applications, and Invitations for Bids) in accordance with agency’s legal authority and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to contracts and contract management.

(30%) Advises agency staff on federal and state contract laws and regulations. Reviews and drafts legal instruments and regulations and provides legal advice regarding contracting, procurement, and enforcement. Provides legal assistance on adverse actions involving contracts. Consults with management concerning legal ramifications of possible changes in overall contract practices and procedures. Represents the agency in procurement matters, contract negotiations, and disputes, including protests and contract-related claims, as well as other matters as requested by agency management. Assists in representing the agency in administrative or contested case hearings.

(30%) Supervises team of attorneys, including setting work priorities, overseeing assignments, and approving leave and work schedules.

(10%) Performs additional duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, drafting substantive legal documents, including opinions, briefs, and memoranda that include analysis of agency authority under state and federal law, and both proposed and enacted state and federal legislation.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.   

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of fundamentals of contract law, government procurement law, and Texas state agency contracts. Knowledge in reviewing, developing, negotiating, and management of contracts and grants.

Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings. Knowledge of federal and state statutes, regulations, and policies affecting health and human services agency programs. Knowledge of Texas procurement and contracting laws.

Skill in efficient legal research including use of Westlaw and other internet legal research. Skill in conducting research, to summarize findings, and to use legal reference materials. Skill in foreseeing legal implications of contract terms and procurement and contract actions and providing legal advice accordingly.

Exceptionally skilled in oral and written communication to a wide range of audiences. Skill in identifying relevant legal issues. Skill in organizing and expressing complex legal problems clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Skill in preparing opinions, contracts, rules, and policies and procedures. Skill in preparing high-quality, complex procurement and contractual documents. Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions. Skill in demonstrating sound judgment and reasonable tolerance of ambiguity in the performance of job duties.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with clients, other government officers and employees, and stakeholder groups. Skill in operating a personal computer and other basic office equipment. Skill in articulating legal concepts to management and other stakeholders. Skill in providing legal representation in administrative or contested case hearings.

Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities. Ability to utilize legal experience and training to assist in developing policies and training to safeguard funds flowing to the agency, minimize liability and avoid risk to clients. Ability to analyze moderately complex to advanced factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws. Ability to make efficient use of time and resources. Ability to think creatively and apply clear, logical problem-solving techniques. Ability to maintain professional and collegial relations with all levels of management and staff at the Commission, as well as with other agencies’ management and staff and the public.

Ability to manage and supervise staff; establish goals and objectives; and supervise the work of others.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Must hold a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Experience with contract drafting, review and negotiation required. Admission to the State Bar of Texas and five years’ experience in the practice of law required. Experience with IT contracting, government procurement, insurance and risk management, or federally funded contracts preferred. Managerial experience preferred.   

Final Selection Criteria:

The initial screening criteria, together with the strength of application and interview.   Additional Information:This position offers many benefits. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer incredible health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. Employees accrue at least eight hours per month of sick leave and eight hours per month of vacation, and are eligible for longevity pay after two years of state employment. HHSC System Contracting is based at the HHSC headquarters in the state-of-the-art North Austin Complex building.

Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but are not limited to: 27A, 27B, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 4405, 4406, 4407, 4408, 4409, 4410, 51JX, and 92J0. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MilitaryCrosswalkGuide.pdf.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

MOS Code:27A, 27B, 250X, LGL10, 4402, 4405, 4406, 4407, 4408, 4409, 4410, 51JX, and 92J0