The Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General seeks an Attorney I to join the Chief Counsel's Litigation section. The Attorney I is responsible for a case load of 15-25 moderately complex cases. The attorney will assist with the development of audits and investigations. Once the file moves into the litigation phase, the attorney will be responsible for all aspects of prosecuting the case. These activities include, but are not limited to development of evidence through contact with witnesses and review of documents and policies, rules, regulations, and statutes, preparation of pleadings, written discovery, motions, trial briefs, exhibits, and necessary orders. The attorney will also take and defend depositions and examinations under oath and may assume first chair trial responsibilities. The trial phase may also include mediation and/or informal resolution conferences. The attorney will be required to keep management advised of all aspects of the case. In addition to these duties, the attorney will provide research and assistance in other areas as assigned and as needed.

Essential Job Functions:
Case evaluation, assessment, and preparation for litigation while keeping the options open to explore and negotiate settlement. (50%)

Litigate matters before the State Office of Administrative Hearings or the Health and Human Services Appeals Division, including draft pleadings, written discovery, depositions, witness preparation, and hearings. (15%)

Resolving matters by agreement via IRMs or mediation. (10%)

Assist with the development of audits and investigations. (10%)

General legal research. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned. Keeps manager informed as required or as necessary. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Skilled in legal research, writing and analysis.

Skilled in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.

Skilled in demonstrating sound judgment.

Knowledge of Administrative Procedures Act.

Skilled in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.

Skilled in working collaboratively and cooperatively with client representatives, other government employees, and stakeholder groups.

Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks of varying priorities and to make efficient use of time and resources.

Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences both orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain effective and collegial relations with all levels of management, staff, and the public.

Ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues related to a wide variety of federal and state laws.

Ability to use computer applications and databases related to essential functions of the job, including computer-assisted legal research, word processing software, and the Internet.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
Must be a member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.

Licensed attorney with 0-2 years of experience

Judicial internship, mock trial, moot court, or similar law school advocacy preferred

Additional Information:
The OIG is responsible for preventing, detecting, auditing, inspecting, reviewing, and investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in the provision of health and human services in Medicaid and other HHS programs. Potential employees of OIG are subject to criminal background checks in accordance with the HHS Human Resources policy. Selected applicants must complete a national fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to determine if they have criminal history record information that constitutes a bar to employment.

OIG will request that all applicants considered for an interview provide responses to essay questions. Failure to respond to the request could disqualify an applicant from the interview process.

The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum allowable by state law. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHS Human Resources Manual.

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, 51JX

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.

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