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:

ALJ

Job Title:

Administrative Law Judge II

Agency:

Health & Human Services Comm

Department:

AD Contested Cases

Posting Number:

21615

Closing Date:

11/20/2026

Posting Audience:

Internal and External

Occupational Category:

Legal

Salary Range:

$9,000.00 - $10,785.83

Pay Frequency:

MonthlySalary Group:

TEXAS-B-26

Shift:

Day

Additional Shift:

Days (First)

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:

Austin

MOS Codes:

4402,4405,4406,4407,4408,4409,4410,4411,4417,250X,27A,27B,51JX,LGL10,LGL11 Administrative Law Judge IIThe Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) position performs advanced legal and appellate work for the two (2) HHS agencies. The work involves conducting contested case hearings under the Texas Administrative Procedure Act and grievance hearings under the HHSC Human Resources Manual as well as performing Administrative Reviews of Fair and Fraud Hearing Decisions pursuant to the Texas Government Code.

The ALJ schedules hearings; conducts prehearing and other conferences; presides at hearings; rules on discovery disputes, motions, and admissibility of evidence; analyzes testimony and evidence presented in hearings; and issues appropriate orders and final decisions, including findings of fact and conclusions of law. The ALJ's work also involves directing and planning legal activities, overseeing the preparation of legal documents, interpreting laws and regulations, and demonstrating judicial temperament in all actions. The ALJ works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for 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.

Conducts multiple types of complex hearings concerning more than 40 different programs or agency operations areas, including grievance proceedings for all HHS agencies including the following:

I. Conducts hearings related to HHS grievance appeals from the State Hospitals and State Supported Living Centers;

II. Conducts contested case hearings;

III. Conducts Administrative Reviews.

Responsible for the following tasks:o Manages decorum of courtroom, maintaining control of attorneys, witnesses, and clientso Manages and oversees process of litigationo Swears in witnesseso Listens to testimonyo Rules on objectionso Determines if elements of a case are proven in accordance with burden of proofo Determines evidentiary disputeso Analyzes complex legal issues relating to HHSC program policiesWrites final decisions in contested cases and grievance proceedings, including findings of fact and conclusions of law, acting as the designee of the Executive Commissioner.

Manages a complex hearings docket of cases by tracking, monitoring, planning, coordinating and scheduling activities to ensure that all state and federal statutes, rules and regulations are met with respect to the hearings process.

Conducts prehearing and other conferences to rule on motions and admissibility of evidence and to determine the discovery and hearings schedule.

Conducts Administrative Reviews of Fair and Fraud Hearing Decisions, including writing final decisions as necessary.

Responds to requests for information from HHS agencies' staff and from external requestors, including Open Records requests, statistical inquiries, and pending hearings.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Licensed and in good standing with the

State Bar of Texas Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Advanced knowledge of legal principles and practicesAdvanced knowledge of trial and administrative hearings proceduresAdvanced knowledge of evidentiary and procedural issuesKnowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations affecting HHS agencies' operations andadministrationKnowledge of HHS agencies' programs, policies, rules, and proceduresSkill in planning and decision-makingSkill in organizing and expressing complex legal problems in a clear, concise manner sufficient tocommunicate orally and in writing with people of varied backgrounds and levels of sophisticationAbility to analyze and solve legal problems and to interpret laws and regulations affecting the HHSagenciesAbility to deal effectively and tactfully with the public, with legal representatives, and with agency staffAbility to comply with ethical standardsAbility to recognize problems and to identify and facilitate solutionsAbility to train agency staffAbility to conduct effective, in-depth legal researchAbility to organize and manage a heavy caseloadAbility to work independently with minimal supervisionAbility to maintain confidentiality of informationAbility to meet numerous and competing deadlines

Initial Screening Criteria:

Licensed attorney for at least 10 years and a member in good standing through the State Bar of Texas.

Experience with administrative hearings, rules of evidence and civil procedure personnel, and Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program policy. Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.