Staff Counsel for LEA Investigations (Attorney III

Please paste the following URL into a browser to view the entire job posting on the CAPPS Careers page.https://erphcmprd.cpa.texas.gov/psp/candidateportal/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS\_HRAM\_FL.HRS\_CG\_SEARCH\_FL.GBL?Page=HRS\_APP\_JBPST\_FLandAction=UandFOCUS=ApplicantandSiteId=1andJobOpeningId=107190andPostingSeq=1Agency InformationThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state. Core ValuesWe are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them. Job DescriptionThis is a term position funded through August 30, 2027. Continuation of the position beyond that date is contingent on available funding. Position OverviewAt the Texas Education Agency's Office of Governance (OG), we are driven by a powerful mission: to proactively support school systems, keep students safe, and uphold Texas education law with integrity, objectivity, and excellence. Our core workstreams, Field Support and Compliance and Investigations focus, on strengthening governance, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting continuous improvement across Texas schools. By working closely with school systems and agency teams, we help ensure every Texas public school student has access to a safe, high-quality education.OG is seeking a dedicated Staff Counsel for LEA Investigations to help strengthen accountability and ensure every Texas student has access to a high-quality education. As Staff Counsel, you will support efforts to resolve complex compliance matters and support special investigations that safeguard educational integrity. From supporting investigations in their early stages to drafting preliminary and final reports, you will work closely with the Special Investigations Division and Self-Reported Data Review Unit to bring clarity and resolution to challenging issues. Your expertise will help shape corrective action plans and informal agreements that drive meaningful change.This position will partner with Local Education Agency (LEA) counsel, school system leaders, and TEA staff to ensure compliance with state and federal education laws. The work will have a direct impact on improving outcomes for Texas students and reinforcing trust in the education system.Reporting directly to the Associate Counsel of Compliance and Investigations, this is an opportunity to combine legal expertise with a passion for public service.Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.Please note that a resume, cover letter, and short answer responses are required attachments for applying to this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who are strongly being considered for employment must submit to a national criminal history background check. Essential Functions Job duties are not limited to the essential functions mentioned below. You may perform other functions as assigned.1. Investigation Reports and Legal Analysis: drafts and reviews statutorily required preliminary and final investigation reports to ensure findings, legal conclusions, and recommended actions are clear, accurate, supported by the evidentiary record, and consistent with applicable law and agency procedures2. Informal Resolution and Case Closure: develops, drafts, and negotiates informal resolutions, corrective action plans, and related agreements; advises on legally suffi ient and practical remedies; and coordinates timely case closure after investigative activities are complete3. Investigation Guidance and Legal Support: advises investigators regarding agency jurisdiction, statutory authority, investigative scope, evidentiary sufficiency, and legal risk; conducts legal research; supports the development and revision of investigative procedures; participates in witness interviews as needed; and reviews document requests, subpoenas, and other investigative materials4. Legislative Analysis and Session Support: monitors and analyzes proposed and enacted legislation affecting Governance workstreams; advises leadership regarding operational, legal, and implementation impacts; identifies potential conflicts with agency authority or obligations; and serves as a resource witness or subject-matter resource during legislative proceedings, as requested5. Legal Counsel and Risk Mitigation: provides legal counsel to agency leadership and staff on compliance, investigative, and administrative matters; interprets applicable statutes, rules, regulations, and agency policies; identifies emerging legal risks; and recommends changes to policies, procedures, and operations to strengthen compliance and mitigate risk QualificationsMinimum QualificationsEducation: Graduation from an accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (JD) degreeRequired Licenses: Must be licensed as an attorney by the State of Texas in accordance with Texas Government Code, Section 81.102Experience: At least [3] years of experience in legal work including report writing, complaints, investigations, dispute resolution, or compliance monitoring Other QualificationsShare the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military.Skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions; using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a