TDA - Assistant General Counsel (Attorney II or III - Appeals and/or Contracts) 2 Positions Ava[...] - Texas Department of Public Safety : Job Details

ASSISTANT GENERAL COUNSEL(Attorney II or III - Appeals and/or Contracts)2 Positions Available

Salary Information: B24, $6,800.00 - $7,200.00/MO.; B26 - $8,200.00 - $8,700.00/MO.State Classification: Attorney II/III – 3503/3504FLSA Status: ExemptPosting Number: 24-57261-1

Location: Austin, TX

HOW TO APPLYApply online via CAPPS. Applicants applying in WIT must complete the supplemental questions to be considered for the position. To complete the supplemental questions, go to CAPPS Recruit:

WHO ARE WEThe Texas Department of Agriculture's Legal Services Division provides legal counsel to the Food and Nutrition Division, including representing the agency in administrative hearings arising from the child nutrition programs administered by TDA.

WHAT YOU'LL DOThe Assistant General Counsel will perform moderately complex to highly complex legal work for the Food and Nutrition (F&N) Division of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and on special projects. Responsibilities include contract review and providing legal support in the areas of contracts and grants, including review of bids and contracts of food service management companies; researching and analyzing federal rules relating to the administration of TDA's Child Nutrition programs; interpreting laws and regulations; assisting the division in implementing legislation regarding its programs; and handling appeals of adverse actions taken by the program. Work will be under general to limited supervision with moderate to considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

We have two vacant attorney positions in our Food & Nutrition legal services section – one will be the primary contact for legal support pertaining to procurement functions for F&N, and the other will serve as the primary attorney for all administrative appeals arising out of the F&N Division, including the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), managing a full caseload of administrative appeals to enforce program requirements and prosecute violations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS/ REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ATTORNEY II – B24 ($6,800.00 - $7,200.00/MO.)

Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas.

Minimum two years' experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law in the areas of drafting and reviewing contracts and/or procurement documents and/or interagency contracts. Experience preparing cases for trial, appeal, or administrative hearings.

QUALIFICATIONS/ REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ATTORNEY III – B26 ($8,200 - $8,700.00/MO.)

Juris Doctor Degree from an accredited law school with a license to practice law in the State of Texas. Minimum four years' experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law in the areas of drafting and reviewing contracts and/or procurement documents and/or interagency contracts. Experience preparing cases for trial, appeal, or administrative hearings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESKnowledge of legal principles, practices, and proceedings. Skill in legal research, writing, and analysis; in the use of a computer and applicable software; in using reasoning and logic; in identifying and solving complex problems; in prioritizing workloads; and in using judgment to identify courses of action. Ability to conduct hearings, to prepare opinions and briefs, to prepare cases for trial, to conduct research, to summarize findings, to interpret and apply laws, to use legal reference materials, to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; exercise sound judgment and discretion; and to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONSThis position will work in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 15%* of the work period), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK & WORK HOURSTDA has a telework policy that allows eligible positions to telework up to two (2) days per week after completing six (6) months of employment with the agency. The employee must meet eligibility criteria set forth in the Telework Policy.

H-1B VISA SPONSORSHIPWe are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITSThe State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

• Retirement Plan
• Paid Group Health & Life Insurance for employees
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Longevity Pay
• Dental
• Vision
• Dependent Optional Life Insurance
• Voluntary AD&D Insurance
• Dependent Health & Life Insurance
• Health & Dependent care flexible spending accounts

A skills exercise may be conducted for interview purposes. Only candidates selected for a skills exercise/interview will be contacted.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Career Center, you may check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and selecting My Submissions.

*A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information or protected activity (retaliation). TDA provides accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you need help with the employment process or require other accommodations, please contact the Human Resources office for assistance at (512) ###-####.

TDA participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Military and Former Foster Child Employment Preference: TDA complies with the provisions of the military and former foster child employment preference acts. Please contact our Human Resources-Veterans Liaison at (512) ###-#### for assistance.

This posting will fill vacancies #57261 & 57931.