General Counsel

Overview The Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) is a small state agency that provides intensive supervision and treatment to civilly committed sexually violent predators. We seek dedicated professionals ready to contribute to our mission of public safety. Job Details Title: General Counsel II Agency: Health & Human Services Commission (TCCO) Location: 4616 W Howard Ln, Austin, TX Salary: $7,716.66 – $13,051.00 monthly Shift: Day (not telework) Travel: Up to 25% Full Time: Yes (Regular) Responsibilities Act as the agency’s senior-level legal advisor and provide in‑house legal and administrative services. Represent TCCO in complex matters involving Chapter 841 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 420A of the Texas Government Code and related statutes. Advise the Executive Director and governing board on legal risk, strategic planning, policy decisions and statutory compliance. Manage litigation, monitor cases with the Office of the Attorney General, and recommend strategies. Prepare and review legal opinions, briefs, contracts, proposals and reports. Attend court proceedings as the agency’s representative. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of agency policies, rules, regulations and statutes affecting operations. Draft and review legislative materials, monitor bills and track them through the legislative process. Coordinate with state, federal and local agencies, including the Special Prosecution Unit, Independent Office of Inmate Counsel and other law enforcement agencies. Respond to subpoenas, prepare witnesses, coordinate motions and manage appellate appeals for SVP clients. Ensure compliance with biennial review deadlines and file required reports with the court of commitment. Participate in strategic planning, committees and task forces; testify at hearings and legislative meetings. Oversee contracting, procurement processes, draft solicitations and maintain all agency contracts. Act as Public Information Officer, respond to Public Information Act requests, and serve as media spokesperson when required. Develop agendas, publish meeting schedules and ensure compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Manage the rule‑making process, including development of new rules and review of existing ones in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act. Hire, manage and develop staff; provide direct reports with assignments, guidance and performance expectations. Qualifications & Skills Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Licensed to practice law in Texas and possess a valid Texas driver’s license. Law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an accredited law school. Experience practicing government or administrative law. Knowledge of Texas civil‑criminal law, the Administrative Procedures Act, Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and statutes governing civil commitment of sexually violent predators. Advanced legal analysis, writing and oral communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize workloads, and work independently. Experience with public information act requests and state‑wide public safety statutes preferred. Additional Information Candidates invited to interview must submit a writing sample. This position requires on‑site work at TCCO’s Austin headquarters; no telework or hybrid arrangement is available. Background and other due‑diligence checks will be conducted. All federal employment rules, including E‑Verify and I‑9 verification, apply. Equal Opportunity Statement This is an equal‑opportunity employer; all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr