Guardianship Department Director

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Guardianship Department Director 
Job Title: General Counsel IV 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: LSD Guardianship 1 
Posting Number: 21452 
Closing Date: 03/15/2027 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Legal 
Salary Range: $14,000.00 - $16,000.00 
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:

This position serves as the Director of the Guardianship Department in the Legal Services Division (LSD) of the HHS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). As Director, the position oversees a team of attorneys and professional staff that provide legal services to the agencies of the HHS system.

The Guardianship Department provides legal support to the HHSC Office of Guardianship Services and HHSC state operated facilities. The Director leads attorneys who provide direct representation in probate and district courts across Texas in guardianship proceedings and oversees the departments legal support on collections matters.

This position directs the work of its department, collaborates with other LSD departments and areas of OCC, and ensures its department appropriately and effectively communicates with HHS system clients, executives, and state and federal partners.

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

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

• Reviews, analyzes, and advises on the interpretation, application, and implementation of laws, rules, and policies affecting the HHS system and its operation and administration. 

• Provides legal advice to HHS system staff and decision-makers. 

• Provides legal briefings and reports to HHS system executives and decision-makers.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings; state and federal laws, regulations, and rules; HHS system administrative rules and regulations; and HHS system operational policies.

• Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and legal of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Skill in building and maintaining positive working relationships within OCC, across the HHS system, and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare legal documents, to prepare policies and procedures, to conduct research, to interpret and apply laws, to summarize findings, to prepare legal issues for presentation to executive, legislative, judicial and/or other audiences, and to communicate effectively.

• Ability to formulate, coordinate, and establish policies and procedures, and to train, coordinate, lead, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to use and train staff on current technology and identify, implement, and train staff on new technology.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

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

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required: At least five years’ experience in the practice of law. Experience managing professional staff.

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

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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 Auditor's 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.