Deputy Chief Counsel

Job Title Deputy Chief Counsel Location Austin, TX Agency and Department Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Office of Chief Counsel (OCC), Legal Services Division Posting Information Posting Number: 18909 Closing Date: 07/24/2026 Salary: $15,203.00 - $18,750.00 per month FLSA: Exempt Shift: Day Telework Eligible Job Overview 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). In this leadership role, the deputy chief counsel directs multiple departments that provide legal services to the agencies of the HHS system, offers strategic direction, and provides guidance to department directors, attorneys, and professional staff. The Contracts and Open Government Section includes the System Contracting Department and the Open Records and Data Governance Department. Essential Job Functions 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. (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. 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. Licensure and Additional Qualifications 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Health and Human Services