Guardianship Department Director

Date:
Sep 14, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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: ,,,,X,27A,51JX,LGL
10,LGL
11

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.

• 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 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.

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

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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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,…