The Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) is a small state agency with a critical public safety mission — to provide intensive supervision and treatment to civilly committed sexually violent predators. TCCO is a separate state agency that is administratively attached to the Health and Human Services Commission. TCCO is seeking dedicated professionals who are ready to contribute to this small but important agency. If you are passionate about public safety, supervision, and treatment; TCCO offers a unique and impactful career path. TCCO offers a comprehensive benefits package to include paid time off, a defined benefit pension plan and 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full-time employees.

Functional Title: Staff Attorney
Job Title: Attorney IV
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: TCCO ADMIN
Posting Number: 13237
Closing Date: 08/03/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Legal
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-28
Salary Range: $7,716.66 - $13,051.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 25%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4616 W HOWARD LN
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,51JX,92J0,LGL10,LGL11

Brief Job Description

Performs advanced (senior-level) legal work as the Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) staff attorney providing in-house legal and administrative services to TCCO based on the current needs of the agency. Work involves providing legal advice to agency board members and agency staff on matters involving civil commitment law, open government, contracting, employment and legislative changes. Plans, assigns, and/or supervises the work of others. Serves as the agency’s ethics advisor and Public Information Officer. Acts as the agency’s liaison with the Special Prosecutions Unit and the Independent Office of Inmate Counsel regarding civil commitment processes and cases. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Provides legal counsel and advice to the Executive Director and the agency’s governing board. Manages litigation including interacting with the Office of Attorney General in monitoring cases and recommending strategies for litigation cases and all legal issues and functions. Oversees the preparation of legal opinions and briefs.

Maintains a thorough knowledge of agency policies, procedures and programming. Provides legal advice and legal opinions on policy decision-making and identifies appropriate legal solutions. Drafts and reviews legal documents, administrative rules, and bills for legislative consideration.

Formulates, coordinates and establishes the development and implementation of agency policies and procedure. Participates in the agency’s strategic planning process. Provides legal consultation and expertise to the Executive Director and governing board to identify and manage strategic risks. Consults with agency management to develop appropriate solutions to the legal needs of agency operations. Serves on various agency committees and task forces; testifies at hearings and legislative meetings.

Serves as the agency's legal counsel for contracting. Approves draft solicitations for procurement. Drafts agency contracts and maintains a thorough knowledge of all agency contracts. Provides legal advice regarding contract issues and identifies appropriate legal solutions.

Prepares, reviews, edits, and approves agency reports and studies. Drafts and reviews legal documents, administrative rules, and bills for legislative consideration. Reviews laws, rules, and regulations affecting agency operations and administration. Conducts interviews and testifies at hearings. Prepare cases for trial. Confers with legislators, legislative staff, other state agencies and federal entities in accordance with direction from executive leadership.

Acts as agency Public Information Officer, responsible for the coordination and response to all public information act requests and release of agency information. May act as agency spokesperson or representative in interviews with members of the media.

Hires, manages, and develops staff, and recommends appropriate personnel actions to foster a fair, honest and equitable work environment. Provides direct reports with work assignments, clear direction and information on responsibilities and work performance expectations, and carries out other expected human resources and supervisory activities relating to direct reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques; contracting; and of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Skill in planning, organizing, and managing legal services.
Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Skill in conducting legal analysis. Skill in interpreting and applying statutes and regulations. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines.
Skill in communicating orally and in writing.
Skill in planning and assigning the work of self and others.
Skill in legal writing.
Ability to plan and organize work.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to plan, assign, or supervise the work of others.
Ability to direct and organize the effective and efficient provision of legal services.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Member in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. Must possess a license to practice law in the state of Texas.

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited law school with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Experience practicing government or administrative law. Public information act request experience preferred, state experience preferred.

Additional Information

Candidates selected for interview will be required to submit a writing sample.

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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), the agency provides 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 is not eligible for telework.

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